Rafael Nadal advanced to the Australian Open semifinals with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win over American rising star Frances Tiafoe on Tuesday. He needed just an hour and 47 minutes to progress and is still on track for his first title at Melbourne since 2009. It was a 30th Grand Slam semi-final for him, and his sixth in Melbourne.
Rafa is yet to drop a set at this year’s first major, and rarely dropped even a point on his service game against Tiafoe.
After the match, Rafa said:
It’s very emotional for me to be back in the semi-finals here in Melbourne. To be back in the semi-final means everything to me. It’s great feelings. To be able to play in this court is always so special and of course I’m happy with how I played tonight.
Our champ takes on Roger Federer’s conqueror Stefanos Tsitsipas in a semifinal on Thursday.
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Spain’s Rafael Nadal adjusts his drink bottles during a break as he plays against Frances Tiafoe of the US in their men’s singles quarter-final match on day nine of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 22, 2019. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE — (Photo credit should read DAVID GRAY/AFP/Getty Images)
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Tennis – Australian Open – Quarter-final – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, January 22, 2019. Spain’s Rafael Nadal after winning the match against Frances Tiafoe of the U.S. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
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Source: Eurosport
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Rafa tell your coach THANK YOU!!!!!Carlos what a great job you’ve done teaching Rafa this new serve. His game is so much faster plus giving him added confidence. The game against Stephanos will be a challenge but I do believe you can WIN!!!!!!I am looking forward to this match. I just pray you stay healthy to take on Novak. Novak will be your greatest threat….
Wamos Rafa, you are the best
Rafa great job, congratulation keep aggressive and win all you can do it
Well played Renaissance Man! Well done Carlos Moyà and the rest of the team for helping to bring about the transformations in Rafa’s game designed to prolong his career. It’s certainly paid off up to now and I’m so thrilled that he’s getting more free points on his serve, with an average ace count in the tournament so far of 6.8 compared to a previous average of 2.4 – that speaks volumes.
Rafa will have a stronger test against Tsitsipas, but I believe he’ll get through. The ultimate test will be against Novak and I hope and pray that Rafa remains calm and confident in his adapted game style. After all, the changes have been made not only to put less stress on his body but also to beat Novak.
Excellent points Lorna.
I think as long as his body coöperates, and he keeps his confidence level in the troposphere coupled with his improved serve we are looking at multiple Slam titles this year.
RAFA ROCKS
Congrats Rafa! Magnificent victory. Continue your journey. Trophy is yours this year! Vamos💪💪💪
Rafa congratulations well done vamosssssssssssssss champ good luck for the next.much love ❤️ your fans for ever,💪💪💪💪🎾🎾🎾🎾👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️😘😘😘😘🇺🇸🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
The next fantastic match, so happy for you. Tsitsipas will be a tough one. Take rest and than go for it. Vamos Rafa <3
Yes, yes, good advice. I will rest before the next match — oh, wait, you mean Rafa! Oh, ok, he can rest too. Great match, Rafa rolled, and I needed that. I literally shook through the whole match. Yes, I expect Tsistsi will be a much tougher opponent. Vamos Rafa!!! So very proud of him, win or lose.
It’s amazing what one Spaniard can accomplish when he puts his mind to it. The only tears Rafa will have are tears of joy when he lifts the trophy at Sydney.
RAFA IS RAFAMAZING
Candy from a baby!
Rafa seriously seems to be on a mission out there.
Tsitsipas will be an interesting match. Looking forward to it!
Well done Rafa.
Amazing display once again from Rafa . His serve and ace count make such a positive impact . He is so intelligent and can mx it up so well .
Super to get into the semi final in 3 sets . Should be fresh for that game.
Well done Rafa 🍀👍🎾🌟
Love it💕
Rafa Nadal is so strong, honest and genuine. Great win baby!
Let’s go lift this Australian trophy🎾🏆