Rafael Nadal ‘walked up with authority’ during Denis Shapovalov Australian Open win

Rafael Nadal announces end to 2021 season through injury

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Rafael Nadal has been praised for the way he handled Denis Shapovalov’s Australian Open outburst on Tuesday morning. The Spaniard had to dig deep and go the full five sets to emerge victorious. But he’s now just two victories away from a record 21st Grand Slam.

Nadal has been in fine form at the Australian Open so far, having dropped just a single set before his match with Shapovalov.

And the former world No 1 wasted no time getting down to business, winning the the first two sets 6-3, 6-4.

However, the Australian heat then appeared to get to the 35-year-old while he also seemed to be suffering from stomach issues on the court.

Shapovalov won the next two sets to boost his chances of victory.

But Nadal wasn’t to be denied and outplayed his Canadian opponent in the decider to book his place in the last four of the competition.

THINK YOU KNOW SPORT? Test your sporting knowledge with our tricky quiz

During the match, Shapovalov launched into a stunning outburst where he accused umpire Carlos Bernardes of being ‘corrupt’.

Shapovalov: “You started the clock like 45 seconds ago and he is not ready to play. You started the clock like so long ago and he is still not ready to play. You’ve gotta code him.”

Bernardes: “Yeah. I code him now, now you are not ready to play?”

Shapovalov: “Code him!”

Bernardes: “For what?”

Shapovalov: “He’s not ready to play!”

Bernardes: “Yeah but you are not ready to play, because you came to talk to me.”

Shapovalov: “Are you kidding me?”

Bernardes: “I’m not kidding you.”

Shapovalov: “You guys are all corrupt! You guys are all corrupt!”

And Australian Open legend Todd Woodbridge then hailed Nadal for his composure after the incident.

“Rafa walked up with authority as if to say, ‘Now son, come here’ and put his hand out gently as to say, ‘We don’t have issues. You just get back there and play and we’ll get it all done,’” he said on commentary.

“It was like a senior diffusing moment.

“A lot of other players would’ve gone a lot hotter a lot quicker than Rafa did.”

Fellow commentator Jim Courier, meanwhile, admitted he was shocked by Shapovalov’s outburst.

“That’s not going to ingratiate him to the chair umpire either, not making any friends out here,” he said.

For Nadal, it was a night to savour in Australia.

And he’s now just two victories away from moving out in front of Djokovic and Federer when it comes to his Grand Slam record.

Nadal last won the competition back in 2009 when he beat Federer in an entertaining five-set affair.

Since then, he’s lost finals in 2012, 2014, 2017 and 2019. 

Source: Read Full Article