Nadal into AO semis, Shapovalov put up a fierce fight

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal qualified today for the semi-finals of the Australian Open in Melbourne, after defeating world number 14, Canadian Denis Shapovalov in five sets, 6:3, 6:4, 4:6, 3:6, 6:3.

The fifth-ranked tennis player won after four hours and eight minutes. He made 11 double faults, the most in his career in a single match. Shapovalov had 20 aces and five double faults.

Nadal broke serve in the first two sets, in the fourth and seventh games respectively, and took a 2:0 lead.

Shapovalov fought back, breaking serve in the third and fourth sets to level at 2:2.

Nadal sought medical attention at the end of the fourth set due to abdominal muscle issues, which made his movement more difficult. He took painkillers and continued the match.

The Spaniard started the fifth set well, breaking serve in the second game, and then won his service game after 10 minutes of play to lead 3:0. He maintained the break advantage until the end and qualified for the semi-finals of the season's first Grand Slam tournament for the seventh time in his career.

In the quarter-finals, Nadal will play the winner of the match between the seventh seed, Italian Matteo Berrettini, and the 17th seed, Frenchman Gael Monfils.

In Melbourne, Nadal is trying to win his second title, after his triumph in 2009, and a record 21st Grand Slam title of his career.