It was yet another exciting day at the Australian open with major upsets taking place.
Rafael Nadal was 2 sets up against Stefano Tsitsipas and entering into a tiebreak for winning the third set and the match when began perhaps one of the most dramatic of comebacks ever seen at a grand slam. Stefano Tsitsipas was a man transformed as he hit a thumping forehand to first gain a lead and then win the set. From then on the Greek never looked back dismantling Rafa’s bid for a record 21st slam.
Earlier,World number and local favorite Ashleigh Barty too had to endure an unceremoniuos exit after a stunning 6-1,3-6,2-6 loss at the hands of Czech sensation Karilona Muchova.
Tsitsipas’ produces a comeback for the ages-
Late tonight, Stefanos Tsitsipas became just the second player in 225 matches to defeat Rafael Nadal at a major after trailing by two sets. The No. 5 seed prevailed, 3-6, 2-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4, 7-5, in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and will meet Daniil Medvedev in the semis.
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Tsitsipas’ win puts the 22-year-old into his third grand slam semi final and second straight after his run at last year’s postponed French Open.
The loss for Nadal leaves him locked with Roger Federer on 20 grand slam singles titles and he’ll have to wait another year to try become the first male in the Open Era to win each major at least twice.
Tsitsipas’ tennis was serviceable in the first two sets but Nadal’s level was simply otherworldly, with seemingly little way for Tsitsipas to break back into the match.
There was little to choose from in the third set but it was what marked a change in momentum.
The fourth set was wrapped up in double quick time by Tsitsipas with the match hanging in balance at 3-6, 2-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4.
However once again the Greek showed his grit in the final set firstly breaking Nadal at 5-5 and while Nadal did try to hang on saving two match points in the process at the end it was too little too late.
Speaking with Jim Courier after his five-set victory, Tsitsipas had understandably not processed what he achieved.
“I’m speechless. I have no words to describe what has just happened out on the court. My tennis speaks for itself. It’s an unbelievable feeling to be able to fight at such a level. And to leave my all out on the court. I started very nervously, I won’t lie.”
Ashleigh Barty’s title hopes end-
World No.1 and former champion Ashleigh Barty was ousted from the 2021 Australian Open in the quarter-final stage on Wednesday after being stunned by Czech world No.25 Karolina Muchova over three sets at the Rod Laver Arena.
Barty lost the match 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 as Muchova continued taking down higher-ranked opponents. She had earlier beaten her compatriot and world No.1 6 Karolina Pliskova before beating 18th ranked Elise Mertens of Belgium in the fourth round.
“It’s heartbreaking, of course,” said Barty, who was hoping to become the first home-grown Australian Open champion since Chris O’Neil in 1978.
“But will it deter me? Will it ruin the fact we’ve had a really successful start to our season? Absolutely not. The sun will come up tomorrow.“
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