‘Umpires give UNFAIR advantage to Rafael Nadal,’ Denis Shapovalov left DISGUSTED by partial decisions in a five set loss to the Spaniard
Follow Us
Denis Shapovalov, Rafael Nadal
Tennis fans were treated to a real spectacle on Tuesday, as Rafael Nadal and Denis Shapovalov put on an epic show at the Rod Laver Arena. The two left-handed players played out a five-set thriller, as Rafael Nadal emerged victorious and booked a semifinal berth.
Rafael Nadal seemed in control, as he was leading 2-0 and many expected it to be a straightforward win. However, the Spaniard started struggling with stomach issues which kept him from serving well and moving well on court. Shapovalov exploited Nadal’s weaknesses and took the match to a decider. In the end, the Canadian lost his cool and squandered away the fifth set.
There was a lot of controversy in the opening sets, where Denis Shapovalov was unhappy as to the amount of time his opponent was given between serves. The youngster believes that Rafael Nadal is given preferential treatment just because of his standing in the sport.
“Of course. 100% he does. 100%. Every other match that I have played, the pace has been so quick because the refs have been on the clock after every single point,” said Shapovalov.
Denis Shapovalov questions uneven decision making at Australian Open 2022
The second set lasted for an hour, even though it went in Rafael Nadal’s favor by a score-line of 6-4. Denis Shapovalov believes that the first two sets lasted so long, because Nadal was given a lot of time in between serves and games. The Canadian recalled that all of his previous round matches were high-intensity battles, and the umpires constantly had one eye on the timer.
“This one, I mean, after the first two sets it was like an hour and a half just because he’s dragged out so much after every single point. He’s given so much time in between sets and all this. It’s just dragged out,” he added.
Denis Shapovalov also questioned the toilet break rules at Australian Open. Last year, Shapovalov said he was not allowed to take a toilet break since he had asked for a medical timeout. However, during his encounter against Rafael Nadal on Tuesday, such rules did not apply for the Spaniard.
“I literally, for the same reason I wasn’t allowed to go to the washroom last year at the Australian Open because I had called a medical. I’m not arguing the fact that he had a medical or whatever it is, you know,” Shapovalov added.
Stay Updated!
/techfirstnow/media/agency_attachments/kATjCXskQdJKkXN0OuqW.png)