It was not overly appreciated when the Australian Open 2022 started, but Nadal was surprised. The 35 -year -old Spanish player went straight to the final round with a fast, fast style.
In the first 4 rounds, Nadal lost only 1 set before Russian player Karen Khachanov. In the quarterfinals, Nadal faced the first great challenge when faced with young Canadian talent, Denis Shapovalov. Despite 2-0 ahead, Nadal was equalized by Shapovalov 2-2 and had many difficulties to win the decision set.
By the semi -final against Berrettini this afternoon, Nadal did not allow the old script to repeat. Berrettini is considered to be Nadal's favorite opponent because of the weak left -hand ball. The Spanish player quickly won the first 2 sets before losing the third set. By the 4th set, Berrettini had fierce polishing phase with Nadal. However, Nadal showed his bravery at the right time to win the Breakpoint in the 8th game, creating a turning point to win this set with a score of 6-3.
The victory over Berrettini helped Nadal reach the first Australian Open final since 2019. More importantly, this is the final will help Nadal have the opportunity to overcome Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer to set the player record to win the most Grand Slam in history.
Currently, both Nadal, Djokovic and Federer have 20 Grand Slams in his career. Djokovic missed Australian Open 2022 because of the scandal related to Covid-19, while Federer was absent due to injury.
Notably, Australian Open is the Grand Slam that Nadal is “most ungainly” in his famous career. Before this year's tournament, Nadal only once won the Australian Open and it took place since 2009. After that, he entered 4 other finals but lost.
Nadal's opponent in the final will be the winner in the second semi -final between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Daniil Medvedev. Both are young talents in recent years, and it is not easy for Nadal to conquer the record for 21 Grand Slam.
Top players who win the most single Grand Slam in history
