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| Match: Finished | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| S. Tsitsipas (GRE) (14) | 2 | 4 | 0 |
| R. Nadal (ESP) [2] | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Completed Sets | ||
|---|---|---|
| Set won by R. Nadal | 0 - 6 | R. Nadal leads 0 to 3 |
| Set won by R. Nadal | 4 - 6 | R. Nadal leads 0 to 2 |
| Set won by R. Nadal | 2 - 6 | R. Nadal leads 0 to 1 |
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Rafael Nadal only has one hurdle left as he tries to advance to a fifth Australian Open final, but it won’t come easy as he takes on exciting youngster Stefanos Tsitsipas. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:30pm (AEDT).
Nadal has been on fire throughout the tournament, and while he has had problems with completing hard court tournaments in the last 12 months, he is looking like a new man here.
The troublesome injuries which have struck him down are nowhere to be seen, and he is yet to lose a set, which is impressive given the quality of his last three opponents.
Alex De Minaur gave him a physical two and a half hours on court in the third round, before Nadal has more or less comfortably seen off Tomas Berdych and Frances Tiafoe.
He has been aided by the way the courts are playing this year – slightly slower – which is right into his wheelhouse of returning serves from a long way back and then gradually getting on top of points before ripping forehands.
Still, Stitsipas will be his strongest opponent to date, with the Green performing strongly and knocking over Roger Federer in the fourth round.
The four-set victory was the biggest of his career by a considerable distance, and it’s the same way he will have to play against Nadal. Serving well, taking time and space away and being aggressive at every opportunity.
Not playing a single straight-set match yet might catch up with him here though, although he was again strong against Roberto Bautista Agut in the quarter-finals.
The world No.15 is also going to need a fast start, both to silence his own nerves and put Nadal on the back foot. What Nadal is so good at is starting matches with such intensity and energy, that by the time the opponent knows what hit them, they are 3-0 down in the first set with a break already gone.
It’s happened previously between the pair as well, with Nadal beating Tsitsipas twice last year in finals at Barcelona and Toronto, where he took the first set 6-2 on both occasions.
Prediction
Nadal has been on fire, and with the way the courts are playing, it’s hard to see Tsitsipas reeling off yet another upset. Nadal will advance to his fifth Australian Open final, and, all going according to script, take on Novak Djokovic once again on Sunday evening.
Nadal in four sets.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of the 2019 Australian Open men’s singles semi-final from 7:30pm (AEDT) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
Start time: 7:30pm (AEDT)
Court: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park
TV: Live, Channel 9
Online: Live, 9Now
Betting: Nadal $1.17, Tsitsipas $5
Overall record: Played 2, Nadal 2, Tsitsipas 0
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