The former world number one Rafael Nadal stormed into the semifinal of the Australian Open after a hard-fought five-set battle against Canadian Denis Shapovalov at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Tuesday.
The 20-time grand slam champion Nadal started with two back-to-back wins in the first two sets.
Also read: Sania Mirza bids farewell to Australian Open, loses in mixed-doubles quarters
But the Canadian made a spirited comeback and won the next two sets as Nadal was seen suffering from the Melbourne heat, which he accepted after the match that he was not prepared for.
The Spainard played like a champion in the final set. He broke Shapovalov service early and won the final set 6-3 as the Canadian failed to return over 70 percent of Nadal's serve in the fifth set.