The match lasted five sets and put an end to Denis Shapovalov’s impressive run at the Australian Open. The No. 1 ranked tennis player, Rafael Nadal outlasted the left-hander from Richmond Hill, Ontario. The marathon match was scored 6-3, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-3, at the Rod Laver Stadium on Tuesday in Melbourne.
Nadal is on his way to the semi-finals and remains on track for a record 21st major singles title. His career record against Shapovalov is 4-1. The Canadian athlete broke his racket on the hard blue court after the loss to Nadal. During the match, Shapovalov openly complained to the chair umpire about Nadal getting longer breaks than players are usually entitled to.
The match was filled with momentum swings, including Nadal needing attention for a stomach ailment in the third and fourth sets. He later acknowledged that he felt “destroyed” physically after a hot Tuesday afternoon. Shapovalov even threw some shots in Nadal’s post-match news conference saying he’s “100 per cent convinced the 35-year-old Spaniard receives special treatment”
For more information about the source click HERE