The Baseline Player of the Week: Stefanos Tsitsipas

By Niko VercellettoPublished August 13, 2018

Channeling the one-handed backhand of Roger Federer, the fighting spirit of Rafael Nadal, and the long hair and composure of Bjorn Borg, Stefanos Tsitsipas announced himself as the next big star on tour.

At the Rogers Cup, the Greek youngster took down four Top 10 players before facing off against Nadal in his first ATP Masters 1000 final. Dominic Thiem, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, and Kevin Anderson, all title contenders, were swept aside by the 20-year-old.

#NewCareerHigh and entering the 🔝15 of the @ATPWorldTour rankings for the very first time.

Let’s go for more! #TsitsiFast 💨 pic.twitter.com/SbgYbHbyee
— Stefanos Tsitsipas (@steftsitsipas) August 13, 2018

It was a birthday battle for Tsitsipas, one that he lost, 6-2, 7-6 (4), but he left everything he had out on the court. He was still in great spirits after, even playing table tennis with tournament staff after the final.

A standout guy both on and off court, Stefanos Tsitsipas treated tournament staff to little ping-pong match after the final.

Thanks for everything this week, @StefTsitsipas 🇬🇷🇨🇦 #RogersCup pic.twitter.com/ZIXJWizblD
— National Bank Open (@NBOtoronto) August 12, 2018

Nadal and Tsitsipas previously played the Barcelona Open final this year, where Nadal won far more handily, 6-2, 6-1. The two won't be facing off again in the Cincinnati as the Spaniard has decided to drop out. Tsitsipas will face David Goffin on Tuesday.

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