Australian Open: Rafael Nadal defeats Denis Shapovalov to reach semi-finals in Melbourne
Rafael Nadal overcame an abdominal injury and Denis Shapovalov to win in five sets as he reached his 36th Grand Slam semi-final at the Australian Open on Tuesday.
The Spaniard, who is gunning for a record 21st Grand Slam title, appeared to be cruising with a two-set lead before the Canadian mounted a fightback.
But Nadal, who had called the trainer for an abdominal issue during the fourth set, made his experience count to move ahead early in the fifth and hold on for a 6-3 6-4 4-6 3-6 6-3 victory.
A relieved Nadal said: “I was completely destroyed. Very tough day, very warm. I didn’t practise for it.
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“I was a little bit lucky at the beginning of the fifth. At the beginning of the match, I was playing great but I know how difficult it is to play against a player like Denis.
“For me, it’s amazing to be in the semi-finals.”
The 35-year-old has two days off to try to recover physically before his semi-final against either Matteo Berrettini or Gael Monfils.
“I started to feel not very well in my stomach,” said the sixth seed. “I think I was lucky that I was serving great in the fifth. It was a great test and I really believe I’m going to be ready for that semi-final.”
