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Rafael Nadal has long been one of the most significant tennis stars on the planet, and he only becomes better at the game with experience. The Australian Open is currently underway, and it has seen some great matches over the course of a few weeks. However, the match between Rafael Nadal and Denis Shapovalov is one to remember. The match was supposed to decide which of the two contestants was supposed to reach the semi-finals, and much to the audiences delight, it was Nadal who came out on top.
Nadal won the match 6-3 6-4 4-6 4-6 and 6-3 even though he was beginning to struggle physically in the fourth set. Nadal needed some medication during the fourth set for what seemed to be a stomach issue. He is set to face either Gael Monfils or Matteo Berrettini in the semi-finals, and no matter who wins that match, we all know that it is going to be a great contest. Nadal is just two more victories away to win his 21st Grand Slam title, which would see him surpass his long-time rivals, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
You could see the content and relief on Nadal’s face when Shapovalov hit a wide volley giving Nadal the match point. After which, Nadal could be seen smiling while staring at his time and shaking both fists. The other side of the court was not elegant, though, because as Nadal won the match point, Shapovalov destroyed his racquet on the court. Later, Nadal jokingly said that he didn’t know how he managed to win at Melbourne when the temperatures were at 30C. He continued to say Ï was completely destroyed, it was a tough day, very warm, and I didn’t practice for it.”
The 20 time Grand Slam winner said that it was a good game and that winning against opposition like Denis is never easy. Denis Shapovalov didn’t give chances easily, and Nadal had to work very hard to force the Canadian star to come under pressure and hit bad shots. With Federer injured and Djokovic being deported, Nadal has a big opportunity to move forward and both of his greatest rivals are not in the race.
Even though he wants to win as many Grand Slam titles as he possibly can, Nadal has made it clear that he is never motivated by beating Djokovic and Federer. He said that he was grateful to even play the Australian Open after he missed tennis for five months due to a foot injury. He even revealed that his injury left him doubting whether he would even return to the top-level. However, as tennis fans we are all pleased to see Nadal performing like the way he used to before his injury.
Even though Shapovalov is a great player, he struggled during his encounter with Nadal. It was evident that Nadal was on the front foot and was dictating much of the game. However, Shapovalov is just 22 years old and can become a great player one day.
