Nadal into Australian Open semi-finals

 Nadal into Australian Open semi-finals

The Spaniard needs 5 sets to overcome Denis Shapovalov in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open at noon on January 25.

In the search for the 21st Grand Slam, Rafael Nadal showed his fighting spirit and bravery in the quarterfinals lasting 5 sets. The sixth seed won 6-3, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6 and 6-3 over Denis Shapovalov in more than four hours to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open for the seventh time.

A year after losing to Stefanos Tsitsipas despite leading two sets in the quarterfinals, Nadal did not let that happen again. In the 5th set, the Spaniard broke in the 2nd game, and successfully saved 3 break-points he had to face in 2 prolonged games. He won after Shapovalov's goal cut the ball out.

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Nadal celebrates hard win. Photo: Reuters.

"It was great to get to the semi-finals. I was lucky to serve well in the decisive 5th set. Shapovalov served very well, especially his second ball," Nadal shared quickly after the match.

The Spaniard "King of Clay" took the initiative as soon as he entered the game, with an early break to win 6-3. However, difficulties came to Nadal from set 2, when he lost more strength in serving games.

Having to play at noon, in the heat of 32 degrees Celsius on Rod Laver Arena, seems to make Nadal tired. He had problems with serving, and then he needed the care of a doctor in the abdomen. The double error caused Nadal to lose his break and lose the third set.

Shapovalov began to find precision in powerful serves. He limited durable balls with Nadal and dominated situations with less than 5 touches. Although the score was equal to 2-2, the Canadian tennis player still could not come to the final victory.

Limiting self-destructive errors also helps Nadal avoid the risk of losing his break. The Spaniard made 28 errors all game, while Shapovalov's figure was 51. Nadal had a better first serve in the deciding set, having a 75% one-to-one ratio, and successfully saved the previous three break-points. when you win.

Nadal will face seventh seed Matteo Berrettini or Gael Monfils in the semi-finals. The star of the bull country will have 2 days to recover physically, to look forward to the next match.