Australian Open: Rafael Nadal reached his 36th Grand Slam semi-final at the Australian Open on Tuesday, overcoming an abdominal injury and Denis Shapovalov to win in five sets.
The Spaniard appeared to be on his way to a record 21st Grand Slam victory with a two-set lead before the Canadian made a comeback.
But Nadal, who had called for a trainer during the fourth set due to an abdominal injury, used his expertise to take the lead early in the fifth and hold on for a 6-3 6-4 4-6 3-6 6-3 victory.
“I was utterly crushed,” a relieved Nadal said. It was a really hot and humid day. I didn’t prepare for it at all.
“At the start of the fifth, I got a little lucky. I was playing well at the start of the game, but I know how difficult it is to play against a player like Denis.
“Being in the semi-finals is incredible for me.”
The 35-year-old has two days free before facing either Matteo Berrettini or Gael Monfils in the semi-finals.
“I started to feel bad in my stomach,” the sixth seed explained. “I consider myself fortunate because I was serving well in the fifth. It was a wonderful workout, and I’m confident I’ll be ready for the semi-final.”
Shapovalov, on the other hand, struggled to reach his best form in the first set and then vented his frustrations with umpire Carlos Bernardes over the amount of time Nadal took between points.
It didn’t seem to bother Nadal, who took a two-set lead, but Shapovalov began to change the tide in the third set, winning it with a backhand winner after his opponent was called for a time violation.
In the fourth set, Nadal appeared tired and troubled, leaving the court for six and a half minutes for a medical inspection and a restroom break.
In the first game of the decider, two double faults – he served 11 during the match – put him in jeopardy, but Shapovalov was unable to capitalise and subsequently dropped service himself, giving Nadal a lifeline.
The Spaniard took advantage of it, regaining confidence in his shots and taking advantage of costly blunders from his opponent, who will believe he had the match in his grip.
Shapovalov smashed his racket angrily on the court after the last backhand volley went wide, while Nadal celebrated reaching his 36th Grand Slam semi-final.
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