ATP Cup 2021: Rafael Nadal vs Stefanos Tsitsipas Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction

ATP Cup 2021: Rafael Nadal vs Stefanos Tsitsipas Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction
Rafael Nadal (left) and Stefanos Tsitsipas

A blockbuster encounter is on the cards as World No.2 Rafael Nadal from Spain will lock horns with Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas in a clash of titans at the ATP Cup 2021. Both the countries, placed in group B, are yet to play a tie and whichever nation wins this contest will put one step forward in the direction for a semifinal spot.

Match Details:

  • Fixture: Rafael Nadal
  • Date: 4 February 2021
  • Tournament: ATP Cup
  • Round: Group Stage
  • Venue: Melbourne, Australia
  • Surface: Outdoor hardcourt
  • Prize Money: AUD $4,500,000

Rafael Nadal vs Stefanos Tsitsipas: Preview

Stefanos Tsitsipas

Nadal, to the surprise of many, has already withdrawn from his first match against Australia and therefore, will start the 2020-21 season against Tsitsipas. The 34-year old Spaniard is coming into this tournament after losing out to eventual champion Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals of the Nitto ATP Finals 2020 in a thriller.

On the other hand, Tsitsipas is almost confirmed to play for his country against host nation Australia’s Alex de Minaur before battling against 20-time Grand Slam champion Nadal. The 22-year old Greek was not able to repeat the heroics of 2019 as he bowed out of ATP Finals last year without even reaching to the last-four stage. Coincidentally, his last match in 2020 came against Nadal only.

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Rafael Nadal vs Stefanos Tsitsipas: Head-to-Head

Rafael Nadal

Prior to their meeting in Melbourne, the two players have faced each other on seven occasions. Nadal leads the head-to-head record 6-1 in what has been a one-sided rivalry so far. As mentioned above, the two last met in a round robin contest at the Nitto ATP Finals 2020, where Nadal emerged triumphant in three sets 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.

Rafael Nadal vs Stefanos Tsitsipas: Prediction

Rafael Nadal

Though it would be Nadal’s first match in 2021, it is meaningless to say that the Spaniard is still the favourite to win this encounter. Having said that, it is more or less guaranteed that the match will go to the distance. Going by the prediction lines, if Nadal emerges out of this contest on the winning side, then there is no stopping of Spain from winning the tie against Greece.

Match Prediction: Rafael Nadal defeats Stefanos Tsitsipas in a three-set thriller.

Also Read: ATP Cup 2021: Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Alex de Minaur Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction