Canada's Shapovalov's valiant comeback effort halted by Nadal in marathon match at Australian Open quarters
CBC
It took five sets, but Canadian Denis Shapovalov's impressive run at the Australian Open is over.
Spain's Rafael Nadal outlasted the left-hander from Richmond Hill, Ont., winning a marathon five-set quarter-final match (6-3, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-3) at Rod Laver Stadium on Tuesday in Melbourne, Australia.
With the win, Nadal remains on track for a record 21st major singles title. He also improved his career record against Shapovalov to 4-1.
Shapovalov, 22, was in his first Australian Open quarter-final. He came off a 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3 win over third-seeded Alexander Zverev of Germany.
Nadal converted two-of-three break opportunities that allowed him to win the opening two sets and take early control of the match.
WATCH | Shapovalov eliminated by Nadal in tough 5-set quarter-final match:
Nadal grabbed the edge in the first set, breaking the Canadian's serve to go ahead 3-1. Shapovalov was unable to return the favour as Nadal held serve to take the opener 6-3.
A second Nadal break gave the Spaniard a 4-3 advantage, which he then pushed to 5-3 after holding serve. Shapovalov managed to fend Nadal off and hold serve to pull to within 5-4, but Nadal served out the set 6-4 for a 2-0 advantage.
An early third break helped stake Nadal to a 3-0 advantage. Shapovalov held serve for the remainder of the set but couldn't break Nadal, who was able to serve out the set and match.
Shapovalov finished with 20 aces and five double faults while Nadal had 10 aces and 11 double faults.
Canada still has a player alive in men's singles. Montreal's Felix Auger-Aliassime will face Russian Daniil Medvedev also in quarter-final action.
WATCH | Shapovalov expresses frustration with chair umpire during Australian Open loss:
Madison Keys continued her resurgent 2022 season by advancing to the Australian Open semifinals.
And resurgent might be a major understatement.
