Top 5 photos: Nadal and Tsitsipas battle it out in Abu Dhabi

Rafael Nadal is known as one of the fiercest competitors in men's tennis history. Over the past two seasons, ATP Finals champion Stefanos Tsitsipas has shown he possesses a similar desire to win.

The two squared off Saturday in the title match at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi. But, as fans might expect, both players treated the match like it was a tournament final. Here are the Top 5 photos from the contest.

1

Just as he did last month at The O2 during their ATP Finals round-robin clash, Tsitsipas took a tense opening set in a tiebreaker.

Getty Images

2

Nadal kept plugging away to level the encounter after claiming the second set, 7-5.

Getty Images

3

After three hours and 15 minutes, Nadal emerged victorious, prevailing, 6-7 (3), 7-5, 7-6 (3).

Getty Images

4

Both players will head into the 2020 season with plenty to be pleased with. Tsitsipas lifted the biggest trophy of his career to finish 2019 as the world No. 6, while Nadal helped Spain win the Davis Cup after increasing his major trophy tally to 19 thanks to Roland Garros and US Open triumphs.

Getty Images

5

Nadal clinched an event record fifth title, breaking a tie with Novak Djokovic.

Getty Images