Australian Open: Nadal stunned by spirited Tsitsipas in quarter-final collapse

By Sports Desk February 17, 2021

Rafael Nadal suffered a remarkable collapse to exit the Australian Open at the quarter-final stage despite earlier leading Stefanos Tsitsipas by two sets.

Only once in Nadal's grand slam career had he previously let a two-set lead slip and such a slump appeared entirely improbable as he dominated Tsitsipas on Rod Laver Arena.

But the 20-time major champion, chasing a record-breaking 21st title, struggled to recover his momentum after dropping a set for the first time in the tournament when the third went to a tie-break.

The courageous Tsitsipas grew in confidence and landed a momentous second career win over Nadal to reach a third slam semi after a four-hour 3-6 2-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 7-5 epic.

Related items

  • Wawrinka reflects on 'tough year' after reaching ATP 1000 hard-court milestone Wawrinka reflects on 'tough year' after reaching ATP 1000 hard-court milestone

    Stan Wawrinka reflected on a "really tough year" after racking up a new ATP 1000 milestone with his first-round victory over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard at the Shanghai Masters.

    The three-time grand slam champion secured a 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (8-6) victory in China in what was the first ATP meeting between the two.

    According to Opta Ace, it represented Wawrinka's landmark 100th hard-court victory in ATP 1000 events, becoming the 12th player to do so.

    Speaking on court after the victory, the veteran 39-year-old said: "It's been a really tough year so far, but I'm not getting younger so I'm trying to keep pushing myself.

    "I'm happy with the match. I think it was a really good level. I was playing really good, one of the best matches of the year for me.

    "He's such an aggressive player. It was great to be here, so much support here, so I'm enjoying my time in China."

    Wawrinka, who only had five ATP wins this year before featuring in Shanghai, next faces  Flavio Cobolli in round two.

  • Gauff rallies back against Starodubtseva to reach China Open semi-final Gauff rallies back against Starodubtseva to reach China Open semi-final

    Coco Gauff came from behind to defeat Yuliia Starodubtseva and reach the semi-finals of the China Open.

    Gauff was no match for the qualifier in the first set of Thursday's tie, but the American rallied back to win 2-6 6-2 6-2.

    The world number six will face Paula Badosa, the 15th seed, on Saturday.

    She is vying for a place in her first final since she triumphed in Auckland in January, and her first at a WTA 1000 event since she won the Cincinnati Open in 2023.

    Data Debrief: Comeback queen

    Including retirements, Gauff (two) has achieved multiple match wins from a set down at a single WTA 1000 event for the first time in her career, and for the first time at a single WTA event overall since last year's US Open.

    Since the format's inception in 2009, meanwhile, only Caroline Wozniacki (eight) has reached more WTA 1000 semi-finals than Coco Gauff (seven) before turning 21. World number one Iga Swiatek (five) is the only other player to reach 5+ semi-finals over that span.

    Badosa stands between Gauff and the final. She beat home hope Zhang Shuai in the quarters, and became the second Spaniard to reach the semi-finals of the China Open since the inception of the tournament in 2004 after Garbine Muguruza in 2015.

    She is the second oldest player to reach the semi-finals of the China Open in their maiden appearance after Amelie Mauresmo in 2006.

  • Sturm Graz 0-1 Club Brugge: Tzolis strike seals visitors' first win Sturm Graz 0-1 Club Brugge: Tzolis strike seals visitors' first win

    Christos Tzolis scored the only goal as Club Brugge edged out Sturm Graz 1-0 for their first win in this season's Champions League.

    The Greece international delivered the decisive blow in the 23rd minute at 28 Black Arena on Wednesday.

    Both sides were seeking their first point in the competition, having recorded defeats on matchday one against Borussia Dortmund and Brest respectively.

    Brugge broke through midway through the first half, as Tzolis controlled before firing in off the post from the edge of the penalty area.

    The visitors went close to doubling their lead after the break, but Sturm Graz goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen came to the hosts' rescue with a series of fine saves.

    Urged on by the home fans, Christian Ilzer's side went in search of an equaliser, but it did not arrive as Brugge held out for the points.

    Data Debrief: Third time unlucky for Sturm Graz

    Sturm Graz have now suffered four successive Champions League defeats for the third time in their history.

    Meanwhile, the Austrian side have now lost their last four European matches against Belgian opposition without scoring.

    By contrast, Brugge maintained their perfect record of three straight wins against Austrian opponents, while they have now kept four clean sheets in five Champions League away games - as many as in their previous 22.

    Tzolis' strike came from one of three shots on target, becoming the first Brugge player to register that amount in a single Champions League game since Hans Vanaken did so against Paris Saint-Germain in September 2021.

© 2024 SportsMaxTV All Rights Reserved.