Rafael Nadal scared us all a little bit before winning a gruelling five-setter with Canadian Denis Shapovalov at the Australian Open on Tuesday.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion won 6-3, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-3 in 4 hours 8 minutes and now awaits the winner of the match between Matteo Berrettini and Gael Monfils.
Our champ looked to be suffering from stomach cramps during the match and called for the trainer in the fourth set.
“I was completely destroyed,” Rafa told Jim Courier after the win.
“A very tough day, very warm. Honestly I didn’t practice for it. I was a little bit lucky at the beginning of the fifth.
“I started to feel not very well in my stomach so I just asked if they can do something.
“We went inside and they take the tension and checked that everything was alright on my body, and then I took some tablets. I was lucky that I was serving great in the fifth.
“Two months ago we didn’t know if we could be back on tour at all,” he said. “It’s a present of life that I’m here playing tennis again.”
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow! And He gave us Rafa, too! Vamos! Well done, Rafa!!
Congratulations well don Rafa the king is back you are amazing good fight vamosssssss champ we are so proud of you 👍💪🔥👏❤️🇺🇸🥰💯
After the first 2 sets, I was genuinely expecting a 3 set win … that was hard going!!
What a warrior! Bravo Rafa!
As long as I remember Rafa always had a tough 5 setter in QF or SF on his way to his 5 trips to AO Finals. This year is no different so I’m sure he is on his way to his 6th AO Fimals.
Vamos Rafa!
Yes, remember the Verdasco match?!
I don’t know what to say ……. I’m just sooo happy, relieved, so so proud of you. You are just wonderful, marvellous and a great gladiator.
Please rest, and recuperate fully.
Wish you the very best of health, happiness and success.
VAMOS my CHAMP
🍀🍀🍀🤞🤞🤞😘😘😘
Many congratulations Rafa!!. I pray that you will AO 2022 and make it GS 21!!!!!
Vamossssssssssssssssss!!!!!!
Scared us a little? No he scared us a lot, but Rafa is a champion who never gives up. We are so proud of you and we are lucky to be your fans!
You are our hero!!!! A fighter, a warrior. I’m so proud to be your fan. God bless you and recover for the next one. Vamos Rafa!!! You deserve this. 💪🏼🇪🇸
Oh yes I totally agree vamos Rafa keep fighting.
I was so so scared after that 4th set, seeing Rafa so flat in body language. AO has always been unlucky for him. Overjoyed to see he came back! After all that he’s been through here, he deserves a second AO without doubt. VAMOS RAFA! One match at a time 🙂
I was so so scared after that 4th set, seeing Rafa so flat in body language. AO has always been unlucky for him. Overjoyed to see he came back! After all that he’s been through here, he deserves a second AO without doubt. VAMOS RAFA! Win the semis now. One match at a time 🙂
Congratulations Rafa, you are such a true champion. You are so inspiring and what a privilege it is to have you playing this tournament. Pleased you have a days rest tomorrow…..looking forward to the next match….good luck Rafa…..your Kiwi fan …..
Rafael Nadal-you destroyed us………❤️🔥
A certain hater on this website predicted that Rafa would lose… I won’t mention any names:):)
You must be hurting right now.
See what Biden called a Fox News reporter. Yup, that’s you:)
Indeed she comes here everyday…she is Rafa hater but gives him motivation to prove her wrong…I have only good words for her but grapes are sour
Mac and khawartaimoor, I don’t think she’s a hater. She did allude to a drinking problem, if we’re talking about the same person. Her crystal ball is usually malfunctioning. I’ll tell you what, I’d take her over that other one [who is no longer here, thank you very much] who only came here to insult Roger, but claimed to be a Rafa fan.
Hope your stomach issue is nothing serious.🤞 Rest well and good luck in the semis, Rafa.🍀❤️
OMG! OMG! OMG! So very happy! 2 days off will feel goid for our Champ. Happy. Happy. Happy.
What a joy to be a long time fan of this great champion! Rafa was a winner with age, pain, fatigue, diarrhoea, heat exhaustion….I’ve never seen such a fighter in ANY sport. We are privileged to have him. Thank goodness he has an extra day to rest.
Good luck in the semis, Rafa.
You are our pride Rafa and you showed us why…Keep this spirit in next match too….2 away from 21
Rafa you are a true Champ!!!! Bless your heart I wish you good health and Blessings.Good luck in your next match.!!!!
What a fight👏👏👏 so proud of you. Take rest Rafa, it’s much needed😉
OK OK OK CAMPEON!!!!! mejorate y adelante Rafa!!!!!
Brave Heart!! You will get the 21st no worries. What a champion you are.
Yes, Anne – Brave Heart is so apt!
That’s why we’re all so gung-ho about Rafa! He never stops to fight for us fans.