Again in January, the 22-time Main winner Rafael Nadal turned an ambassador of the Saudi Tennis Federation. Rafa agreed to advertise tennis on this nation and go to if a few time a 12 months along with his coaches.
Nadal competed on the Six Kings Slam in Riydah in October, dropping to Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. Two months later, the legend embraced one other journey to Saudi Arabia, this time visiting the Subsequent Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah.
Rafa hung out with the upcoming tennis stars and gave them priceless advices. Additionally, the Spaniard attended the title conflict between Joao Fonseca and Learnen Tien.
Rafael Nadal, Subsequent Gen Masters finali için Cidde’de. pic.twitter.com/WGUz2BM39G
— Dakota Tenis (@dakotatenis) December 22, 2024
The 18-year-old Brazilian defeated the American 2-4, 4-3, 4-0, 4-2 in an hour and 27 minutes. Thus, he turned the second-youngest winner of this occasion after Jannik Sinner! Fonseca entered the draw because the eighth seed and confirmed his wealthy expertise in Jeddah.
World no. 145 got here victories in all 5 matches, profitable the title in model and gathering a lift forward of 2025. Tien skilled two bagels towards Fonseca of their round-robin conflict. He fought higher within the closing and claimed the opening set.
Rafael Nadal, Subsequent Gen ATP Finals 2024© Stream screenshot
Learnen missed his likelihood within the tie break of the second set, dropping it and permitting his opponent to realize a large increase. Joao served effectively in the remainder of the duel and stored the stress on the opposite aspect en path to a notable trophy.
The Brazilian dropped 14 factors behind the preliminary shot and defended two of three break factors. He discovered the rhythm on the return from the third set, offering three breaks from 9 alternatives and rising on the high.
Joao hit 19 winners and unforced errors. He welcomed 29 unforced errors from Learnen and outplayed his rival from the baseline and in service winners. The American made a dependable begin, securing a break within the first recreation of the duel and serving effectively for 4-2.
Rafael Nadal, Subsequent Gen ATP Finals 2024© Stream screenshot
Tien denied two break factors within the second recreation of the second set and had an opportunity to construct the benefit at 2-2. Fonseca saved a break level and survived till the tie break. The Brazilian performed higher within the early phases and cast 4 set factors.
Learnen denied them and created a set level that would have despatched it two units to like in entrance! Joao saved it with a compelled error and took the breaker 10-8 for a large increase of confidence. Fonseca took cost within the third set, taking three video games at love.
The 18-year-old secured a bagel, his third over the American this week, and moved nearer to the end line. They stayed neck and neck within the opening 4 video games of the fourth set. Joao delivered a vital break within the fifth recreation after a compelled error.
He served for the title at 3-2 and held at 15 after a left-hander’s error, falling to the bottom and celebrating his career-best second.
