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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after winning his Men’s Singles semi-final match against Matteo Berrettini of Italy on day twelve of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 06, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after winning his Men’s Singles semi-final match against Matteo Berrettini of Italy on day twelve of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 06, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
The build-up to the 2021 US Open is heating up this week, courtesy of the commencement of the National Bank Open. Rafael Nadal will be one player to watch out for in this run for glory in Toronto. Ahead of the tournament, the Spaniard opened up on his first Canadian Open win in 2005 and how he clinched the title.
Nadal, in conversation with Mike McIntyre, reveals his thought process behind the title win in 2005. A young teenager from Spain defeated the experienced Andre Agassi in the final and announced himself to the world.
My question today to Rafa Nadal about the importance of his first title in Canada at the 2005 @OBNmontreal where he defeated Andre Agassi in the Final. It was the first @atptour hardcourt trophy of Nadal's career and of course many more would follow!#NBO21 pic.twitter.com/VHFxCnjMFo
— Mike McIntyre (@McIntyreTennis) August 8, 2021
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Rafael Nadal opens up about his first ATP tournament in Canada
It all started in 2005 when a 19-year-old from Spain stood strong against the giant Agassi. Nadal played his heart out at the National Bank Open and defeated Agassi 6-3, 4-6, 6-2.
In this interview with Mike McIntyre, Nadal described his encounter with the American great and talked fans through his maiden ATP hardcourt title.
“Yeah, it had been a very important event for me, I had been cheering a lot on clay that year. Honestly I won a lot on clay, not yet on hard but I, of course, only play better on clay than the rest of the surfaces,” said Nadal on his first hardcourt win.
“2005, of course, important for the confidence, winning the first tournament and especially a Master 1000. Winning against important players, it was good memories, of course. Always a title is special, a Master 1000 even more. Of course, first time here (Canada), has been a great final I remember, a great final.
“I played at such a great level during the whole tournament,” said the Spaniard.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 04: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates his victory in his Men’s Singles quarterfinals match against Diego Schwartzman of Argentina on day ten of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 04, 2019 in Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Chaz Niell/Getty Images)
Nadal’s quest for glory in Toronto begins on Tuesday
Rafael Nadal is the second seed at the National Bank Open this year. Given his half of the draw, it’s no joke for him to reach the finals; he will face the likes of potential opponents like Nick Kyrgios, Roberto Bautista Agut and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
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He will have to regain his confidence and fight harder than before, considering the poor run of form in 2021. His US Open performance will be based upon his finish at the National Bank Open in Toronto.
Read More: “At Age 40, Roger Federer Is…”: Tennis Great Starts New Debate Between Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic
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