Australian Open day 9 recap: Rafael Nadal in semis, but criticism rains

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Rafael Nadal reached the semifinal on the Melbourne Park at the Australian Open 2022 for the seventh time in his career as Ivan Lendl. The Spanish champion keeps Denis Shapovalov at bay for two and a half sets before accusing problems.

He hits the double digits with double faults, lacks breath and strength during the fourth, but sips his energy in a practically perfect way in the final rush and after just over four hours he takes advantage of the Canadian's carelessness.

Evidently conditioned by circumstances, evidently terrified of victory. This is the difference. Nadal thus reaches the thirty-seventh Grand Slam semifinal since 2005 and from a rather privileged position he waits for Matteo Berrettini, who defeated Gael Monfils after 5 struggled and incredible sets.

Ashleigh Barty qualified for the semi-finals of the Australian Open 2022 thanks to a superb show of strength against Jessica Pegula, who was annihilated on two sets with the final score of n6-2 6-0. Barty, under the enthusiasm of the Rod Laver Arena and her fans, thus has a great chance of being able to bring Australia close again to win a Grand Slam at home.

In the semifinals she will face the other American Madison Keys, who beat Czech Barbora Krejcikova in straight sets for 6-3 6-2.

The best and the worst from Melbourne Park

During the match Rafa needed treatment for some physical problems.

Shapovalov harshly criticized him: "I don't think he had any serious physical problems, although he called the doctor or the physiotherapist. The fans should have more respect when we play against players like Rafa. It is unfair what Nadal does, he always gets.

what he wants." Medvedev attackedTennis Australia, for several reasons: "First of all I don't really know, how, what I should do to play on the center courts in the Grand Slams, because I won the last Grand Slam. I mean, I'm the top seed here, and playing Maxime would be easier on the Rod Laver where there is more space.

the fact is that today it was very hot, it was 35 degrees, and when you play in the sun, you would like to change after two sets because you are literally wet. To change you would need a good four minutes, and my body also required me to go to the bathroom after the first set. So I don't see any logic in these rules, I can call them stupid ... "