“I had to suffer, I had to fight. It means a lot to me to be in the final here. I haven’t played as well as I did in the first two sets for a long time,” said Nadal: “I never had another chance a year expected in 2022.”
After two days of rest, Nadal was no longer aware of the stomach and respiratory problems that occurred in the quarterfinals against Zverev conqueror Denis Shapovalov.
The conditions also suited the Spaniard in the semi-finals: Instead of 35 degrees in the shade like against Shapovalov, it rained in Melbourne on Friday – the roof of the Rod Laver Arena was therefore closed, the balls flew slower at just 21 degrees outside temperature, the atmosphere was the same a night session.
Australian Open
Nadal also wins set two against Berrettini
AN HOUR AGO
In the 43-minute first set, Nadal quickly picked up the pace and took a 3-0 lead. Berrettini moved poorly, talked to a physiotherapist, but didn’t take a medical timeout.
Nadal grabs set one against Berrettini
Rafael Nadal picks up the pace
In the second set, the Spaniard quickly made it 4-0 again – only then was his opponent up to par and kept the game more open.
Nadal also wins set two against Berrettini
Up to 4: 3 everything remained in the row in the third set, then Berrettini worked out his first break chances in the match and used his second to 5: 3. Shortly thereafter, the Italian closed the sentence.
“Oh yeah!” Berrettini comes back in the third set
Nadal holds back in set four
Nadal realized that he had to invest more again – and so did the Spaniard. The 35-year-old made the rallies shorter at the beginning of the fourth set, took more risks and showed more emotions. In this way he kept the emerging Italian in check, at least when he served himself – then he managed the decisive break to make it 5:3.
Berrettini was the only player to have reached at least the quarterfinals of the last four Grand Slam tournaments – including the Wimbledon final.
Curious about it: At the French Open, in Wimbledon and at the US Open, the Roman failed at Djokovic after he was injured and unable to compete against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the round of 16 at the Australian Open last year.
Played around the net! Berrettini with the best shot of the semifinals
Nadal with miraculous Grand Slam comeback
World rankings: Matteo Berrettini higher than ever
The Spaniard is only one win away from his 21st Grand Slam title – that would be a record ahead of Djokovic and Roger Federer (all 20 each), both of whom are not at the start in Melbourne. However, Nadal has only won the Australian Open once (2009) – he lost four times in the final (2012, 2014, 2017, 2019). It’s his 29th major final overall.
In the world rankings, Berrettini will overtake Andrey Rublev (Russia), who failed early in Melbourne, and move up to sixth – a new high for the 25-year-old. For the former world number one Nadal, it also goes up a position on the five – no matter how the final ends.
“More is not possible!” Nadal plays Berrettini completely
Men – semi-finals:
- R. Nadal (ESP/6) – M. Berrettini (ITA/7) 6: 3, 6: 2, 3: 6, 6: 3
- S.Tsitsipas (GRE/4) – D.Medvedev (RUS/2) | live ticker
Hit in the semifinals? Berrettini calls for Physio
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“Return like an old potato”: Nadal creates a break in the second set
Australian Open
“More is not possible!” Nadal plays Berrettini completely
AN HOUR AGO
Australian Open
“Return like an old potato”: Nadal creates a break in the second set
AN HOUR AGO