Rafael Nadal has won his fifth Rogers Cup title, after beating Russian Daniil Medvedev in straight sets in Montreal. But soon after winning his 35th Masters 1000 title, Nadal withdrew from this week’s event in Cincinatti.
The Russian came into the final having not dropped a set in the tournament, and that included wins over Dominic Thiem and Karen Khachanov. But after saving a break point in the first game, Nadal was in no mood to grant favours.
He hasn’t played as much lately as Medvedev. This was his first hard court tournament and he didn’t play the semi – he went through on a walkover when Gael Monfils withdrew.
Nadal was totally dominant, winning over 80% of his first serve points. His heavy forehand helped in the wind, as he rolled over the Russian 6-3 6-love.
“I played a great final. During the week, of course, there’s been some up and downs as normal after coming from holidays. First tournament on hard (court) but I was able to find a way. Today I played my best match so far without a doubt,” says Nadal.
He’s decided to skip Cincinatti ahead of the US Open, as he tries to nurse his ailing body. But the tournament will see Andy Murray back in singles action, for the first time since January.
“So I played a bunch of practice sets against, you know, top players and they had gone really well. Physically I was not waking up with any discomfort the following day or, you know, later on. The day after I finished practicing and at some stage you need to make that jump and try and see what it’s like in a match because it is different,” says Murray.
The US Open gets underway in New York in two weeks.
