“What should I do with it” Denis Shapovalov SMASHES racquet after losing a heated clash with Rafael Nadal
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Denis Shapovalov
World No. 14 Denis Shapovalov lost to World No. 6 Rafael Nadal in a gritty battle in the quarter-final clash on the Rod Laver Arena in the ongoing 2022 Australian Open. Nadal won the 5-set thriller 6-3, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-3 in the 4 hours and 8-minute marathon clash battling the hot conditions and injury scare that required medical attention as well.
It was a disappointing day for Shapovalov who had a temper running throughout the match. After an altercation with the chair umpire at the start of the second set followed by an on-net discussion with Nadal during the second set, the young Canadian was high on energy and vented the frustration by winning the next two sets to force a 5th set.
Nadal despite having fitness issues quickly went 3-0 up in the 5th set and then played smart tennis to win the match after Shapovalov hit his shot outside the lines handing the Spaniard entry into his 7th semi-final at Melbourne Park. While Nadal stood in front of the crowd in celebration, Shapovalov lost his cool for the final time and his racquet had to face the consequence.
Denis Shapovalov to rise in rankings, Rafael Nadal 2 wins from 21st Slam
Having made the 3rd round at the 2021 Australian Open, Shapovalov’s run to the quarter-finals is expected to rise in the ATP rankings when the rankings are updated after the Slam is concluded on 30th January.
As for Nadal, he is now into the semi-finals and is two wins away from claiming his record-breaking 21st career Grand Slam title and 2nd Australian Open title to join Novak Djokovic, Roy Emerson and Rod Laver as the only other man to win 2 Career Slams (winning all Grand Slam titles twice).
In the semi-finals, Nadal will now play the winner of the quarter-final clash between Gael Monfils and Matteo Berrettini who will battle on the Rod Laver Arena later in the day.
Also Read: WATCH: Stefanos Tsitsipas comes to ball girl’s RESCUE during the 2022 Australian Open
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)