Australian Open: Nadal tops Shapovalov, reaches semis

Rafael has moved to within two matches of a record 21st Grand Slam title after dismantling Denis Shapovalov in a 5-set thriller at the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.

It was a hard-fought battle from the onset, but Nadal manage to finish the opening set 6-4, before taking the 2nd set once again with the same result. But the 22-year old determined Canadian who was coming off a straight-set upset of Alexander Zverev found his rhythm and shockingly defeated the Spaniard 6-4 in the 3rd set.

Shapovalov kept up the momentum in the 4th set as he finished it 6-3 to send the match to a decider where Nadal delivered a good performance to win the 5th set 6-3 to wrap up the match after 4 hours and 8 minutes.

The Spanish legend who is tied with great rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer on 20 major titles, will face either Matteo Berrettini or Gael Monfils in the Semifinals.

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