Australian Open quarterfinal expert picks: Nadal vs. Shapovalov, Berrettini vs. Monfils

Expert picks are back for the Australian Open quarterfinals on Tuesday, when Rafael Nadal faces Denis Shapovalov and Matteo Berrettini meets Gael Monfils. A three-team panel previews the action and makes its predictions.

Denis Shapovalov vs. (6) Rafael Nadal

Ricky
: Nadal played Yannick Hanfmann instead of Thanasi Kokkinakis in the second round, Adrian Mannarino instead of Hubert Hurkacz or Aslan Karatsev in the fourth round, and now Shapovalov instead of Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals. If he wins this one, the Spaniard will run into either Matteo Berrettini or Gael Monfils instead of Novak Djokovic in the semis. Are the stars aligning for a 21st major title and a double career Grand Slam? It’s starting to feel that way. Nadal has been very good in his own right in addition to the good fortune. He is now 7-0 this season with a title at the Melbourne 250 and four convincing wins at this Aussie Open. Shapovalov is dangerous, but he probably doesn’t have the consistency to topple Nadal in a best-of-five situation. Make it four in a row for the Spaniard in this head-to-head series. Nadal in 4: 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3.

Cheryl: Honestly, I had fairly low expectations for Nadal at this Australian Open. The 2009 champion had been sidelined with his chronic foot injury for more than six months. He also had a nasty bout of Covid-19 in December, from which he only just recovered right before landing in Melbourne a few weeks ago. Nadal was handed a tough draw and I figured he’d just be too rusty. But here he is, in the quarters — and more importantly he is playing well. His serve looks better than it has in some time, and he’s getting plenty of pop on his forehand. Shapovalov has had a fantastic tournament so far. The Canadian shellacked Zverev and he helped lead his country to the ATP Cup crown. Shapovalov defeated Nadal in their first-ever meeting back in 2017, and he came within a few points of knocking the Spaniard out of the Rome Masters last year. His big-hitting game is the sort that can give Nadal difficulty, and he’s playing especially well in 2022 so far. Nadal should come through, but Shapovalov is going to make him work for it. Nadal in 5: 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5.

Pete: Ironically, it is Nadal now that has commanded front and center attention at the Australian Open as a few key obstacles (Djokovic and Zverev) to his path to a potential 21st major title have been eliminated in the last week.Instead of Zverev as his opponent in the quarterfinals it is Shapovalov, who brushed away the Olympic and 2021 Nitto ATP Finals champion in straight sets. The Canadian will be grateful to have been able to conserve energy in the last round, as he was tested earlier in the tournament — even rallying from a two sets to one deficit in the second round. Nadal has taken a more direct route to the quarters, dropping just one set thus far. The 2009 AO champion has exited Melbourne at the quarterfinal stage seven times, including in three of the last four years. He has his eyes squarely on the prize that has eluded him for more than a decade and will likely power into the semis. Facing Shapovalov rather than Zverev at this stage of the tournament is certainly a break in getting closer to history. Nadal in 3: 7-5, 6-4, 6-3.

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WWW: Nadal vs. Shapovalov?

(17) Gael Monfils vs. (7) Matteo Berrettini

Ricky: I had Monfils in the semifinals before the tournament started and I’m not about to waffle — not when he has reeled off four consecutive straight-set victories. The Frenchman has always been one of the most talented players in the world. When he is healthy and motivated, he is also one of the best. Monfils is both of those things right now. Berrettin has been tested in all four of his matches, even though he didn’t lose a set to Pablo Carreno Busta on Sunday. The Italian has been good this fortnight, but not great. Their only previous Grand Slam encounter (2019 U.S. Open quarterfinals) went to a fifth-set tiebreaker. I expect something similar…but this time with Monfils winning. Monfils in 5: 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(5), 2-6, 6-3.

Cheryl: This is one of the more surprising quarterfinals. While Berrettini has been impressively consistent in majors for the past year or so, Monfils has been the exact opposite. The Frenchman could barely manage to win a single match a year ago. In the past week, he has dispatched all four of his opponents in straight sets. With Berrettini’s monster game, I expect that Monfils’ straight-set wins are going to come to an abrupt end. The Italian’s serve hasn’t been quite as effective on these slower hard courts as it is on grass, but it’s still a fierce weapon and will do some damage. The crowd will almost certainly be behind Monfils, who is one of the more popular veteran players on tour. But in the end I expect Berrettini to earn a spot in his first Australian Open semifinal. Berrettini in 4: 7-5, 4-6, 6-2, 6-4.

Pete: Let us not forget the torrid start to 2020 that Monfils exhibited, going 16-3 with two titles and losses only to Novak Djokovic twice and to Dominic Thiem. The pandemic seemed to impact Monfils to a greater extent than anyone else on the ATP Tour. The Frenchman lost the only four matches he played when he returned in September, then lost his initial three matches in 2021 before finally winning a match in May — a stretch of nearly 15 full months without a victory.  As a result, he is absolutely relishing his success to begin 2022 — already winning a title in Adelaide and recording four straight-set wins in Melbourne. In fact, Monfils dropped just five games in each of his first two matches. This is only the second quarterfinal appearance for Monfils in his 17th visit to the AO.  Berrettini has now earned quarterfinal berths at each of the last four majors. The Italian is 4-0 in tiebreakers in the tournament and certainly received his wakeup call in his third-round encounter with Alcaraz that went the distance. For Monfils, this is a significant increase in talent level across the net compared to his first four matches. Berrettini in 4: 7-6(4), 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.

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WWW: Berrettini vs. Monfils?

226 Comments on Australian Open quarterfinal expert picks: Nadal vs. Shapovalov, Berrettini vs. Monfils

      • Yes, Rafa may have requested it for some reason, since Rafa vs. Shapo should have been a very attractive night session. I fail to understand, however, why Rafa might prefer to play during the brutal heat…
        I did some background reading – and I became very pessimistic about Rafa’s title chances. Unlike Novak whose alleged corona infection was conveniently totally asymptomatic (cough, cough…), Rafa was really sick for a week. And his foot prevented him from practicing as hard as he normally does. He even said that it is still bothering him. It is a miracle that he plays as well as he has done so far. Experience, intelligence and willpower made it possible. But so far he hasn’t been physically tested and I have a hard time to believe that Rafa is already fit enough for going the distance against the top players who are a lot younger than Rafa. He might be able to survive one five setter. But can he really recuperate fast enough and play again on a high level two days later? It just isn’t realistic IMO.
        Maybe rafafans should just enjoy the fact that he reached the second week, defended his points from last year and seems to enjoy himself. Everything else is icing on the cake.

          • No he said so far so good ..why so pessimistic littlefoot, reading that post made me more nervous

            VR, thoughts about tomm ?

          • The left foot always bothers Rafa. The only question is how much? That is, whether he can tolerate the pain as he has done for almost all of his career. If the pain isn’t too bad he can reach a state of deep concentration, something he normally does when playing, along with high adrenaline, which will block the pain, if it’s not too severe. I’m arthritic; I can do it myself so I know how it works. But pain can reach a point where it screams at you and overwhelms everything. Or maybe the foot simply refuses to move properly as happened in DC. No way of predicting, we just have to see what happens.

        • Why does it matter if he practised or not in December . He is now playing and practising since Jan 1 and has 7 matches under the belt …

          • Yep, I’ve not read/heard anything from Rafa indicating he still has trouble with his foot. I totally understand the concern regarding physical conditioning and we will only find out in the next matches. Let’s hope he can finish Shapo off within 4 sets.

            In my view, it is certainly going to be his biggest challenge so far. Shapo appears to be calmer now and doing a better job with his mentality (he mentioned earlier that he was trying to achieve ‘Rafa mentality’!), which is helping him with consistency.

            I never like Rafa playing lefties with big forehands, since it’s difficult for him to control the rallies. We’ve seen Rafa alter his return position very smartly so far and I think this is key. He dropped too further in set 3 against Karen but moved up in set 4 and that is where he’d want to be. Helps him keep rallies shorter and get inside the baseline but Shapo has a huge good kick serve and it is going to JUMP in the heat so let’s see how Rafa chooses to deal with second serve returns. This is key and he needs to make Shapo suffer there given how big the latter’s first serve is.

            This CAN definitely go the distance but I see Rafa winning in 4 sets. His court awareness has been great and I am loving the use of backhand slices (dare I say that shot looks slightly improved but will wait to see more of it).

            Keep going for that serve, Rafa. Don’t worry too much about DF’s. The guy is now 35 and he needs to take more chances with his serve and I am glad he is doing that!

          • I found an interview on youtube where Rafa said that the foot is still bothering him a bit, but apparently right now it is not interfering with his level of play – so far!
            Personally I am more worried about the potential impact of his corona infection. He said, that he had high feaver for a few days, and then he could not do much for a week because he felt totally wiped out and tired. These corona infections are tricky, and it worries me that Rafa did experience significant symptoms despite being vaxxed. So far I had assumed that he had only a mild case. But that is apparently not the case. I saw a few cases in my immediate surrounding, and even those who did not develop long covid, took a while before they were fully fit again.
            I do not want to be pessimistic at all, but right now I feel that Rafa has already more than exceeded realistic expectations, and everything else is cake icing…and it is of course possible that there will be lots and lots of icing 😉 I would not complain!

          • Maybe Rafa didn’t request the day match! Maybe no one wanted it because of the brutal heat!
            I do worry about the physical fitness part of this. If it goes 5 then that has to favour the much younger guy.
            Also there is this time limit now on bathroom breaks making it more difficult for Rafa to change his kit. We know how much he sweats!
            Anyway, maximum love and respect for Rafa for what he has achieved already.
            Go get the win champ!

  1. I’m not looking ahead and thinking about title chances. All I am thinking is tomorrow. There are 2 matches still to play to get to title match. And if the stars are aligning ,so be it ..and frankly if he has to get to 21, it cannot come easy at 35 years…it will be tough at this age .all i hope is he stays healthy and fights for it and is able to give it his best

    • 100%, he has two tough matches before he even gets a shot at the title. It is natural to get excited, especially knowing there is certainly no Djokovic on the other side. He has a shot and it would probably be his greatest slam victory but yeah, there’s much tennis to be played.

  2. Ricky, trying to get my head round why you think Rafa had a lucky escape from Kokkinakis, Hurkacz and Karatsev. Forgive me, but I think the 20 time GS Champion deserves more respect.

  3. I am super nervous about this match!
    But all 3 of the expert picks have picked Rafa..that does mean something..
    Come on Rafa!!💙💙💚💚💛💛💛💛💜💜💜💜

      • Well qfs have been a problem also at RG!! He has got nervous and tight numerous times in qfs in the last few years.
        Pray he is calm for this match. His tennis iq is way higher than Shaps’.

        • I have difficulty imagining Rafa pushing for the day match! He is very accommodating in terms of going with what the schedulers want for crowds and tv and has often played night matches..
          Seeing the pics of the players collapsing in the heat over 3 sets! I am quite worried..

          • It’s a thought!😀😀
            Tiley seems to spend half his life talking to Novax! Only yesterday he was saying that he had just been talking with Novax about next year’s AO!!😀
            Maybe Novax is giving Tiley useful tips about the scheduling this year!
            I wonder if Novax has some incriminating photos of Tiley ?because he seems to be in Novax’s pocket..

          • Yes agreed! How he played in the fourth set against Karen should be what he is aiming for.
            He has to play aggressive. I read reports of how Zverev played and they all said he was very passive and served terribly.

  4. Monfils and Nadal should both win but there’s a strong chance it could go the other way in both of these matches. Shapo in 5 is a real possibility.

  5. I looked at Shaps’s results for the last year. He has had a lot of losses to unseeded and significantly lower ranked players. He seems to love the big stage and really turn in on against the top players. Ie how he played Rafa in Rome, the match with Djokovic at wimby and how he played against Murray ( although Andy played poorly).
    I expect him to come out firing like he did against Djokovic at wimby.
    But his results last year in general were pretty poor.
    How Rafa serves will be very important. If Rafa serves well it will be hard for him to win.

    • Shapo is playing better than he’s ever played right now due to the intangibles. Ads mentiond earlier, these young players go through a significant growth phase each year and it’s clearly evident with some of their results in this AO.

      Nadal should win in 4 but if there is any lapses and it goes to 5; he is in trouble.

  6. Brad Gilbert says the other night on ESPN that the serve will be the deciding factor. He said if Shapo can serve well then he can win. But if he does not serve well and Rafa is able to serve well then he will win.

    Shapo is going to come out blasting. Rafa has to be ready. I don’t know if his results for the last year will indicate what might happen here. He is coming off a big win against Zverev. Everyone and his brother was saying Zverev was the co-favorite along with Med. That’s all I heard. How tough it would be for Rafa in the QF’s. Well it never happened. You actually have to show up and play well enough to win. Zverev did not do it.

    • Nny, I expect Shaps to come out firing.
      I also think the serve will be key.
      Vamos Rafa!
      PS I really am worried about the brutal heat. I don’t see Rafa winning a five set match given he has played and trained so little this last year..not in the brutal day time heat..

      • amy,

        I am concerned about the heat. But when it’s a night match then we find other things to worry about.

        Rafa sweats profusely. In the match with Mannarino he had to change his clothes after that marathon TB.

        It’s not going to be easy. Rafa has a few more gears, but I don’t know if he can get there in this tournament.

  7. Rafa plays against an opponent which is lefty and has a single-handled backhand. Two factors which usually work in his favour. He just played a crafty lefty so he has proper training.
    Sure, Shapo is younger, but he played significantly more than Nadal lately. Both had Covid-19 recently, they got it together in Abu Dhabi.
    I don’t think that the heat of the day will be a bigger problem for Rafa; after all he lives on a sunny island. He does sweat a lot but he has problems only in very humid conditions, not dry heat.
    Most importantly, the conditions will help the ball bounce, which will cause all sorts of trouble to Denis’ BH. I doubt that the Canadian can consistently deal with Nadal’s arsenal for 3 sets out of 5.
    So probably Rafa in 4 although I agree that any outcome is possible.
    Berettini vs Monfils is almost too tough to call, but I feel that Gael won’t be able to produce the required consistency and he’ll lose a tough battle.

    • It’s true that the humidity is worse at night.
      Seem to remember Shaps didn’t really have any symptoms with covid whereas we know rafa was really ill for several days.
      I really really hope he doesn’t get a bout of qf nerves. If he is ok mentally he will probably get things done without it going 5. I certainly have a lot of difficulties imagining Cheryl’s pick coming true where he wins 7-5 in the fifth. I just don’t think he’s fit enough having been out so long.

    • Actually, that is incorrect. The data says Monfils is a decent level above Berrettini and has been delivering the required consistency. If Monfils loses this match, it wont be because he lacks consistency.

  8. Nobody here is God. We are just giving opinions. Everyone is on an equal footing.

    For myself, I enjoy reading the different opinions here. I like Cristian’s posts. I think he makes some very good points.

    I don’t mind disagreements unless it gets personal. Christian was attacked in a vicious way the other day. Anyone here who gives themselves airs or tries to attack or demean anyone, is doing a real disservice to this forum.

    • He’s a relentless troll and insinuates things indirectly and feeds off other people’s quality input and presents it as his own.

      As you can see, I’m more than capable of forming my own judgement.

  9. I’d assume Rafa wants the AO day matches because of the spin, the ball really rips off the court more during the day. It’s interesting though, since you’d think he’d want to avoid the heat in general.

    Right now it’s smooth sailing, Shapo just leaks too many errors and doesn’t apply pressure. Zverev would’ve been a much worse match-up here, but he got tight yet again because it was a GS.

  10. Oh for Christ Sakes! Cut the bullshit Shapo! The chair umpire was not having any of Shapo’s complaints. He had the two players talk it out. Thus is pure gamesmanship! Disgraceful! Get out there and play Shapo! Stop whining about nothing! The chair more rightly pointed out that there is a shot clock!

    Pathetic from Shapo in an obvious attempt to try to rattle Rafa and get him to lose concentration.

  11. Hey Guys!! I think Rafa is playing great under the circumstances. He is playing more aggressive than I have seen in a while, can sustain the long rallies, he is going more than toe to toe with Shapo! He seems cool even under the pressure of Shapo”s groundstrokes, I think even Shapo is surprised that’s y he’s about to burst a nut out there!! Rafa is certainly outplaying him right now. And what’s even more important Rafa is serving very well!! So I just wish he wins in 3!!! It’s at this point where he has his 3rd set dips, lol!

    But on the other hand, the commentators themselves seem dizzy with Rafa’s performance. They r analyzing the match and keep showing highlights even while the match is going on. Seems like they anticipated an upset and didn’t expect Rafa to win a set even!!! Sone ppl have no shame!!!

  12. Yes, Nadline!! I just don’t understand it!!! They expected Zverev to beat Shapo but have reservations about Rafa’s chances. On paper Rafa’s chances are unquestionable!! I still laugh at the highlights mid match!!! Lol! If Rafa can win in 3, it would be a wonderful thing!

    Shapo seems to be trying his hand at serve and volley and playing deeper inside court. Arrrgggghhh, can’t wait for match to end, lol!!

  13. Mona,

    Shapo is going to throw the kitchen sink at Rafa. He will not go away. This is the thing that worried my before the match. Shapo has had to hang tough in his early round matches. He has managed to get through. So what I really do not want is for Rafa to let him get a toe hold in this match.

    I really want Rafa to do it in three.

  14. I expected the third set dip!! I did, I could c it coming, is at if RAFA just needed a little respite from the intensity. I’m not worried….,,yet, lol!! But u c Rafa remained cool understanding that he just needs to pace himself.

    Shapo himself is not serving great! Rafa is playing better! Hope Rafa breaks soon!

    Vamos, Rafa!!

  15. Ppl let’s not get so pessimistic, Rafa is playing well and serving well still. Shapo is desperate so he’ll keep pressure up so Rafa has to keep serving well!

    • What did he take it for? The foot? This is what I was afraid of.

      I cannot believe what I am seeing. He was playing so well and then it fell apart. The inability to close out matches. His body can’t take it anymore,

  16. Is this over? Rafa looks defeated out there and Shapo is all charged up. Don’t know what he told the physio.

    He is loosening up now,Rafa. In this game. Don’t know what this means

    • Is it the heat? Dehydration? He is wrapping himself in ice and drinking a lot.

      I said he had to close it out in three sets. Shapo is 22 and can stay out there all day.

      Maybe people were right about the heat getting to him. He did recently recover from the virus.

  17. He has been going for bigger forehands since he lost serve. I think the serve betrayed him. Had to force a tiebreak at least.

    Shapo is KILLING his returns

  18. This hurts.. Rafa was playing well but.. he seems to have stomach issues, don”t know for sure… heartbreaking to watch him suffer once again..

  19. I turned off my v in the beginning of the forth, just could not take the anxiety!! Was having stomach problems just like Rafa!! This AO is really down under for Rafa! Phew!!! But Vamos Rafa!! VAMOS!!!

  20. Damn it.. if he loses from here.. it will hurt even more.. so close that he can smell it.. he needs Shapo to choke again on his serve..

  21. Rafa needs to keep up the pressure on Shapo”s serve, but of course, it is easier said and done! I wish Rafa could get 2 breaks!

  22. Rafa NEEDS a 5-set win here. Has had too many bad losses on this court.

    Serving well in this game! 40-0. Just needs to keep serving well and that’s it really.

    Wow, ridiculous half-volley forehand DTL from Rafa!

    • Mona,

      I can’t watch either. I started hyperventilating.

      Nadline is giving updates on the score.

      I am just praying. 🙏

  23. ‘You guys are all corrupt!’ – Denis Shapovalov in furious rant at Rafael Nadal and umpire at Australian Open
    “You started the clock like 45 seconds ago and he is not ready to play,” Denis Shapovalov began in his angry rant at the umpire over Rafael Nadal’s apparent time-wasting. “You started the clock like so long ago and he is still not ready to play. You’ve gotta code him. Code him! He’s not ready to play! Are you kidding me? You guys are all corrupt! You guys are all corrupt!”

    https://www.eurosport.co.uk/tennis/australian-open/2022/you-guys-are-all-corrupt-denis-shapovalov-in-furious-rant-at-rafael-nadal-and-umpire-at-australian-o_sto8735752/story.shtml

  24. Oh gosh!!! Now I can breath!!! Wow!!! After all these years of watching Rafa I can’t always watch lol!! But Vamos, Vamos, Vamos!!

  25. Shapo, someone needs to be very honest with. You need a psychologist, not a tennis coach. Sort that out and you’re a serious major contender.

  26. Is Rafa injured ..please tell me that ..what is the issue with his stomach ..i did not see the match but hearing some issue with stomach .is it an ab injury

  27. Oh thats nice.. i remember australia used to hold one semi on thursday.. hope the semi can be str sets

    Looks like rafas competitive juices overcame his digestive juices😀

      • Sanju,

        Rafa explained it in his on court interview after the match. It was a stomach issue.

        He wiii have two days off before the semifinal.

        • The problem was nerves that he was trying to suppress and for certain ppl like me it can affect you, so he needed something to help him stay his stomach! Just happy with the result!

          Now, let me see if Barty can get to the semis too!! Vamos!!!

  28. OH MY GOD!!! There is a GOD and his name is Rafa!!! Congrats to those of you who managed to watch the match! I got up an hour ago, 1:30 AM my time and checked the score. 2 sets all, but Rafa had lost the last two. I thought it was hopeless, but no way could I go back to sleep. I checked here, Rafa was ailing. OH NO!!! But sleep out of the question! Wow. Wonder if I even have a recording…yet.

    *waves at Ricky* I see he stayed up for this one!

    Grats and sympathy to all you brave loyal Rafans!!!!

    • Rafa is one of the very few lucky ones that had all the intangibles instilled him in from a young age. He should consider himself very lucky because the vast majority never get that advantage in life.

      • Rafa does, always, consider himself to be a “lucky guy”. Certainly he was very, very fortunate in his family and upbringing. Rafa always said he had a “fairytale” childhood. So was Roger, not quite as lucky perhaps – I know nothing about Roger’s extended family – but certainly Roger had – and has – great parents.

        Actually it is perhaps the norm for tennis players to come from good homes with good parents, although the exceptions get a lot of press. There’s some pretty bad tennis parents out there for sure!

    • I recorded it the last two sets. I would watch some of it but I got too stressed out when Shapo evened it up by winning the fourth set..

      Later on I will watch it. It’s 3:00 am in the morning. Time to go to sleep!

      Congratulations Rafa! He broke the quarterfinal curse!

      In the semifinals!
      😍

  29. So happy for Rafa, into the SF again! I hope he has by now overcome that AO QF demon! It’s so nerve wrecking watching Rafa struggling on court, but thank God Rafa wins this in the end!

    I like what he said, a present of life! Yeah, we have to enjoy and treasure every moment we see him on court, like what he said, he didn’t know two months ago how things would be going forward!

    Vamos Rafa, keeps marching on!

  30. YESSSSSSSSSS!!! What a mental giant! Didn’t just accept the physical hardships and stayed in there. MENTAL GIANT this guy is.

    And kudos to Rafa’s brilliant serving. Didn’t allow any opportunities to Shapo. He didn’t even bother chasing some balls and kept pts short.

    Rafa has broken the QF jinx and now has two days to recover. Advantage of being in the first half of the draw. Let’s hope this is going to be enough for him recover. SF is not going to be easy. I’d definitely prefer Monfils but again the Frenchman can make things really physical.

      • Yes, but he has a big serve and probably the biggest forehand out there. But true his backhand and movement are clear liabilities.

        This one could be a long battle.

        • Hope not..one more long battle n if rafa wins .he will be seriously disadvantaged going into the final and here no 2 days recovery too after sf

          • no no, I meant Monfils vs Berettini

            The next one I think rafa wins within 3 hours, as long as he keeps serving well.

  31. I love what Keoning had to say in his analysis about the match. Notably about the fifth set he said that this is y he is of the belief that Rafa is one of the best problem solvers in the history of the sport!! He kept things simple in the fifth and held his serve and won!!

  32. Henman called it a Shapo win after he won the 4th set. He couldn’t see a way of Rafa winning from that point which explains why Henman didn’t win a slam. If you give up when you are 2 sets all you are not going to win; you might as well shake hands at that point.

    • For all his heart-breaks he also has his fair of five set epics where he came out on the right side at melbourne – shapo, dimitrov, that guy from the us in 2015, zverev, federer, also murray in 2007

    • Precisely Nadline!! At two sets each u must look at match as ure equal and ure starting as if is new match with just one set to play!! U can’t be like oh well I’m done!! It’s clearly not the mindset of a champion!!! Unless ure hampered, I can’t c the merit on thinking otherwise!!

  33. How confident is Berrettini right now. Let’s hope he doesn’t put on his skirt the next time he sees Djokovic or Nadal at the other end of the court.

    He screamed out ‘C’mon’ like a lion after he won the first set. Let’s see that against the top guys.

  34. I like Shapo – but he is way out of line here. No one can accuse Carlos Bernardes of all people of giving Rafa unfair advantages, and since the introduction of the shot clock Rafa had his fair share of warnings and even some penalties. But umpires have a certain amount of wiggle room in order to be able to do the right thing in specific circumstances – like brutal temperatures! And Shapo himself could have been penalized for grossly insulting the chair umpire! It may be forgivable if this happens in the heat of the moment, but it is poor sportsmanship to repeat these insults in the presser. And Shapo most certainly did not lose this match because of Carlos Bernardes.

  35. What happened to Monfils? I thought he’s playing well, not losing a set, to reach the QF? Why so many errors in this match now? Berrettini is just playing solid tennis, not exceptional tennis and it looks like he will be winning in straight sets!

    • I think the heat and cumulative effect of time on court is finally taking its toll on the 35 yr old. You can’t be anything but your best against Berrettini because he gives absolutely nothing away. And Berrettini is on the improve, so they are are heading in the opposite direction.

  36. Thank God! I was wrong he did win in the fifth!
    But it should have been in straights.
    I knew that this match would be difficult just because it’s a qf!
    I was unwell so couldn’t watch..
    What a win for Rafa though! To win in the fifth against a guy so much younger after being out so long. The guy is unbelievable. That’s why he is so great…
    💙💙💙💙💚💚💚💚💛💛💛💛💜💜💜💜💓💓💓💓

  37. Well played Rafa! What a fight, what a fighter! Hope he’s fully recovered by the next match.
    As for Shap how bleak the land of missed opportunity must be,
    Meanwhile C’mon Monfils! The gorgeous Matteo has plenty more time for slams, Gael doesn’t.

  38. Double break for Matteo. This match is done I guess.

    Rafa vs Berettini it is then? I am so glad Rafa has two days to recuperate. Another good news is that the weather on Friday and Sunday doesn’t look that bad. Today maximum was 34 degrees Celsius and Friday max is 28 degrees. I feel a difference of 4-5 degrees makes a LOT of difference.

    Rafa to win in 3 tight sets.

    • He really needs the 2 days vr!
      It’s going to be Berrettini.
      I think Berrettini will be tough because he served lights out over PCB with 77% first serve and 28 aces over 3 sets and he survived Alcaraz.
      I see that Rafa had 11 dfs for the last match so the dfs of last year are back. This isn’t good! What’s the issue?

        • Ramara,

          Yes, I agree. I am okay with the DF’s because Rada is winning. He had to do something about his serve. The price is more DF’s. Brad Gilbert was praising Rafa’s serve during the match. He thinks it’s a good thing that he has gotten more aggressive. Also more speed, especially with the second serve. He has to make adjustments. Rafa also had 8 aces.

      • These DF’s are certainly not terrible news. Sure, he’d like to reduce them but this is the biggest I’ve ever seen him go for second serves. Can’t recall the exact game but but he even won a free point BP down by kicking second serve a serve at 166 KMH to Shapo’s forehand in the corner. This is pretty gutsy for someone who’s always kept a very high margin on second serves for most of his career. It is the need of the hour and he is responding.

        Berettini likes to slice a lot and Rafa is going to run-around those quite often. I just watched sets 1 and 2 highlights since I had missed them and honestly Rafa was playing AMAZING. I think he’s passed his toughest test before the final. I am confident he’ll win this in 3 or may be 4.

        2 days will help him to recover and this win’s GOT to give him so much confidence and belief. He knows he can win this title and that it is a great opportunity. I can’t help but feel confident about his chances of winning here (yes I know Berettini is tough and we’ll prob get to play a wall i.e. Medvedev in the final).

        • Let Medvedev reach first .he was all up n down vs cressy ..it’s not a given that meddy will reach though he is firm fav ..tsitsi can catch fire n stun med too

        • VR,

          I posted my comment befire I read yours. But I now understand the strategy with the serve.,Go for more and take the DF’s. It’s part of being more aggressive.,

          I absolutely agree that this was Rafa’s biggest test. In fact, I says that I thought Berrettini would benefit from the five setter with Alcaraz. When you can survive going up two sets and then having your opponent win the next two to force a fifth set and win, that’s la big deal. It was hell to live through it.

          I am grateful they Rafa has two days off. He needs it. I was so focused on one match at a time that I didn’t even know who Rafa would play in the semis. Then I checked the other day and saw Berrettini and Monfils. But now that Rafa is in the semis, I really don’t care! Either one would have been fine with me. After hearing on and on how Rafa wouldn’t get past the quarterfinal becee as use of Zverev, I am just done with that.

          I am still exhausted from last night and early morning, but thrilled with Rafa’s win. I found myself thinking last night that he is playing with a condition that is incurable. Yet here he is!

          Rafa, you are one in a million!

  39. As for Shaps’s whinging. He is a young fit guy who is playing greats who are 12/ 13 years older than him. I refer to both Djokovic and Rafa as Shaps was whinging a lot after the wimby match as well as today.
    If he loses he loses! It’s on him. Rafa should really have won the match in straights so I don’t think he has much to complain about.

  40. ATP calls time on toilet breaks in new guidelines for men’s tennis

    Players limited to one three-minute bathroom break per match
    Additional two minutes to be allowed to change clothes

    rict new guidelines on toilet breaks during matches have been sent to players by the ATP after growing calls to make lengthy visits to the bathroom a thing of the past. The guidelines for the men’s game will limit bathroom breaks to one per match, lasting no longer than three minutes from the time the player enters the facility.

    https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2…ilet-breaks-in-new-guidelines-for-mens-tennis

    Shapovalov doesn’t seem to realise that the rules have changed. Players are allowed time during the toilet break to change their clothes.

  41. Berrettini seems like a nice guy, I like his on court interview, jovial and he gives sensible answers.

    I hope Rafa wins his SF, in three or four sets, and not a long match as he needs time to recover now that he’s 35.

    As for Shapo, he sounded like a sore loser; I mean, he should concentrate on how he’s going to play the match to win, regardless of favourable or unfavourable conditions.

    • Because he beat Rafa in Abu Dhabi he thought the match was on his racquet but Rafa was so rusty then and even then they were one set all with Denis winning the 3rd set TB to 10.

      Shapo also had no trouble beating Zverev in the 4th round. for some reason, Zverev might as well not have turned up because he didn’t compete at all and Shapo didn’t really have to do much.

    • lucky,

      Yes! I agree! It was disgraceful when Shapo complained to the chair umpire that Rafa.was taking too long to get out of his chair after losing the second set. Hey everyone guess what! There is a shot clock now, do no more of this crap about going after Rafa. Focus on your game and not whining like a baby.

  42. I just looked up 3 weather forecasts for Friday.
    All 3 forecast rain and storms so most likely they will play with the roof. Roof alert!!😱😱
    I don’t think Berrettini plays well indoors does he? Obviously it will help him serve even more aces…

  43. Rafa’s notorious misfortune in Australia strikes again. This should have been over in 3, instead Nadal almost lost. I don’t think that the heat was the main factor here, most likely he just caught a stomach bug. In the third set he thought that the heat is getting to him, but I think it was the bug all along. He played day matches last week and didn’t have any problems.

    Since he is not injured and he can rest for two days, his chances going forward are intact. Right now it looks like if someone wants to take Rafa out of the tournament he’ll just have to kill him.

  44. Shapovalov says he was the better player in the 3rd and 4th set but Rafa was the better player in the 1st and second set and in a best of 5 sets match, the winner is the better player in the 5th set and that was Rafa.

    The NextGen are getting impatient that the old guard refuse to go away.

  45. Press conference (translation from Spanish)

    “I had a bona fide heat stroke. I felt my stomach close up, was actually feeling slightly dizzy, my body and breathing felt all wrong.”
    “I was worried because I was feeling pretty bad. After the 4th set, the doctor came and I left with him to get checked – blood pressure, etc. Everything was sort of OK which helped me calm down and focus on being competitive”

    That’s good news. I was worried that he couldn’t last a 5 setter because he is unfit.

    • Good thing is no direct heat match going forth..not sure timing of first semi. It surely will start much later than today’s time of 2 pm

    • I think it was amy who brought up concerns about heat. Given that Rafa had Covid in December and apparently had a high fever, that could also play into him having trouble with the heat. Not to mention that he has been off for six months and not played much.

      I am grateful it was not the foot of any physical issue. I don’t know how he managed to go out in that fifth set and get the win.

      They are repeating the fifth set on the tennis channel now.

      • And of course, the most important thing for Rafa is that someone took out Djokovic for him.

        Otherwise, it would be all for nothing…

  46. Yes it was me nny! I thought it was a big mistake for him to ask for a day match given the issues he has had.
    Anyone remember RG 2014 final when both Rafa and Djokovic were all over the place and exhausted in the heat in the 4th set?! And it was nowhere near as hot. That image from the past was really playing on my mind.
    Post viral fatigue can get triggered by heat as well! Ie you can go from small amounts of fatigue to feeling like you are going to fall over very fast…!

    • Amy the sf is at 230 pm on Friday ..Rafa said he will be first as his side played first ..so another day session with no practice for final in night conditions

    • amy,

      I remember that 2014 match at RG very well. I think Novak threw up on court at one point. Rafa was looking done in, but fortunately he was able to close it out. I think Novak DF’d to give him the win.

      I think it would have been a good call if Rafa had not had Covid so recently. He was playing lights out for two sets.

      But he said he had heat stroke and was very dizzy. That can be serious.

  47. I don’t know why Rafa doesn’t wear a white cap in high heat/sun/humidity. He’s got virtually no hair left on top! Is it in his Nike contract that he has to wear that band? Or is it just that he’s a creature of habit?

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