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'Crazy stat': Rafael Nadal makes unthinkable history in Rogers Cup triumph

Sam Goodwin
·Sports Editor

Rafael Nadal has crushed Daniil Medvedev in the Rogers Cup final, defending a non-clay court title for the very first time in his career.

After winning the 2018 title, the Spaniard was back for more in 2019, dispatching Medvedev 6-3, 6-0 in Sunday’s final.

Remarkably, it’s the first time in his storied career that he’s won back-to-back titles at the same event on either hard court or grass.

It also gives Nadal his 35th Masters 1000 title - the most in history - extending his lead over Novak Djokovic to two.

Nadal brutally dispatches Medvedev

Medvedev had not dropped a set in the tournament but was no match for the 33-year-old, who saved a break point in his first game and confidently put away Medvedev who is 10 years his junior.

Nadal broke in the fourth game to go 3-1 up and dominated the remainder of the 70-minute match.

With high and heavy forehands on a windy afternoon that pushed back the at-times confused-looking Medvedev, the Spaniard broke the Russian three times in the second set before wrapping up the victory.

Nadal was at his imperious best in the second as he routed Medvedev with six-straight games to earn his fifth Canadian honour.

Rafael Nadal celebrates his victory at the Rogers Cup in Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal celebrates victory at the Rogers Cup. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

For Nadal it was a third title of the year, after two on clay including the French Open, and the 33-year-old said on Tennis TV: "It's so important to be back on hard court and win again, another big title. That's confidence for what's going on.

"Today's just about enjoying this title, this Masters 1000. It's so important – it's not a tournament you are able to win every day."

Medvedev also lost the title match at the Washington Open last week, - beaten by Nick Kyrgios - but this was his first Masters 1000 final, a significant step forward in his career.

Addressing Nadal at the trophy presentation, Medvedev said: "You're an amazing champion of our sport and it's an honour for me to first play against you.

"Of course I wanted another result but you're amazing, you played an amazing tournament and congrats to you."

Devastating scenes in women’s final

Earlier, Serena Williams' first US Open tune-up ended in dramatic fashion as the American retired with injury while trailing Canadian teenager Bianca Andreescu 3-1 in the women’s final.

Williams, who hopes to chase a record-equalling 24th career grand slam title at the US Open, seemed fine on court but suddenly sat crying in her chair before deciding to retire 19 minutes into the match with a back injury.

“She’s distraught,” one TV commentator said as the crowd let out an audible gasp after the umpire announced the match was over.

Serena then broke down in tears again during her runner-up speech.

"I'm sorry I couldn't do it today. I tried but I just couldn't do it," a tearful Williams, who struggled to get the words out, told the crowd.

"It's been a tough year but we'll keep going."

with agencies