Rafael Nadal is into the Australian Open quarter-finals for the 14th time in his career after beating Adrian Mannarino 7-6(14) 6-2 6-2.
Rafa was able to overcome Mannarino in an epic tie-break during a 81 minute first set, saving four set points to take it 16-14 which sparked wild celebrations from the Spaniard and the boisterous crowd inside Rod Laver Arena.
Our champ moved to equal-second with John Newcombe on the all-time list for most quarterfinals in Australia. Roger Federer tops that list with 15. It’s also his 45th time into the last eight at a Grand Slam tournament, which is third on the all-time list behind Federer (58) and Novak Djokovic (51).
“Anything could have happened. I got a little bit lucky in the end. I had my chances but then he had lots of chances too. Everybody knows how mental this game is. After that crazy first set the break at the beginning of the second was so important.
“He had been playing some fantastic tennis throughout the whole tournament, winning against amazing players like Aslan Karatsev and Hurbert Hurkacz. Today the first set was super difficult. His ball was difficult to control – very flat and fast – and I’m very happy that I survived that first set without a doubt.
“I’m happy to be in quarterfinals. I know I need to play, very, very well to keep having
chances. But I am just enjoying today and I’m going to try my best.”
Source: Eurosport
Watch a much the first set it was amazing Rafayou got this is your time to win vamosssssss champ all the love from your fans 👍👏💪❤️🎾🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥👍
Amazing first set. Worth staying up all night for.
Fantastic Rafa!!!! Keep it up and keep fit ans healthy!
🍀🍀🍀🙏🙏🙏😘😘😘
Felicidades Rafa, you played a blinder. So happy for you are into quarter finals…Buena Suerte. 🇪🇦🇪🇦🇪🇦☘☘
Congratulations Rafa!🤗
Best wishes the rest of the tournament.❤️
Rafa is the very GOAT. I congratulate him from the core of my heart.
Oh my, that TB was incredible! It was the longest one in Rafa’s career and one of the most important. I was so nervous. Credit to Mannarino who played so well, even better than Rafa until the TB. Rafa started slowly, was that due to the heat? I am so happy for him and us, his fans.
I am now actually dreaming about 21st now
May your dream come true!
Remeber AO 2017. Actually remember the year 2017.
Roger made a comeback from injury age 35 and just went on winning.
RAFAAA its your turn to have a similar (if not better) year.
GO FOR IT
Well done! Take a good rest and prepare for Tuesday match vs Shapovalov!
After a long Gap he has come back again roaring…Look at his passion. I love it
Breaking records everyday
I must say I have witnessed the luck going in favor of Rafa after a very long time I mean first set tiebreaker
Congrats for Rafa to making it to the QF’s.
One step closer to his 21st GS and 2nd Aussie trophy since 2009.
My heart is racing.
We need to wish him well.
VAMOS RAFA
Bravo Nafal my hero
MASSIVE CHEERS for Rafa…for winning the match AND winning that unbelievable tiebreak. Next up is Shapovalov who just beat Zverev.
What a first set😵😵 well done Rafa. Take rest and stay aggressive in the QF.
Four down, three to go – you can do it❤️