“He was playing at a very high level. His ball was super difficult to control out there,” said Nadal.
“The ball came so fast, and the serve was difficult to read, and he opened very well the court.
[It] was difficult to return. Then I started to return more inside the court with the second, and I take some advantage there.”
The next assignment in Nadal’s potential seven-match program in Melbourne is an unexpected clash against young Canadian Denis Shapovalov, who caused a stir by removing German world No. 3 Alexander Zverev in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3.
Denis Shapovalov beat Alexander Zverev to set up a clash with Rafael Nadal.Credit:Getty Images
Tuesday’s quarter-final between veteran Nadal and up-and-comer Shapovalov offers plenty, but not the least the appeal of two left-handers going head-to-head.
Shapovalov was superb against the lanky German who, in the absence of world No.1 Novak Djokovic, had appeared one of the players to beat in the top half.
It must be remembered the world No. 14 survived two five-setters – against Serbian Laslo Djere and against South Korea’s Soonwoo Kwon – in the opening two rounds. He, too, has faith that he can go the distance.
“Today was probably the one I least expected to finish in three [sets], so I’m very happy with my performance,” Shapovalov told Channel Nine.
Alexander Zverev leaves the court.Credit:AP
“I was playing really well, really feeling my shots off both wings. I played pretty smart today, and felt that things were going my way early on.”
A final-eight finish, at the very least, is his best result at Melbourne Park. Shapovalov made big inroads last year by reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals.
“I’ve always loved to start my season coming here to Australia, I’ve always felt I have a good game coming into [the] season,” he said.
“I’ve had some tough draws [in Australia] as well as this year, but I’m happy to pull through and win today again. I just want to say the atmosphere was so much fun today, so thank you guys.”
Nadal and Shapovalov have come face-to-face five times, the first clash in Canada five years ago when the local was victorious at the first attempt.
Loading
“He played great,” remembered Nadal. “Honestly, he was very young and he played with amazing intensity and creating amazing shots. Yeah, as everybody knows, [he] is one of the players with the biggest potential on the tour.
“When I played against him, after the match I said he is going [to] be potential multi grand slam winner.
“And I still think that if he’s able to keep improving, he will be a multi grand slam winner.”
Watch all the action from Melbourne Park on Nine, 9Gem, and 9Now.
‘It’s great news’: Nadal’s body passes the test, Shapovalov eliminates Zverev
Source: Philippines Alive
