Ailing Nadal survives Shapovalov thriller to reach semis

An ailing Rafael Nadal said he was “destroyed physically” by his gritty five-set quarterfinal win over Denis Shapovalov at the Australian Open on Tuesday. But the Spanish great still managed to move to within two matches of a record 21st Grand Slam title with an incredible display of guts and resilience against the talented 22-year-old. […]

An ailing Rafael Nadal said he was “destroyed physically” by his gritty five-set quarterfinal win over Denis Shapovalov at the Australian Open on Tuesday.

But the Spanish great still managed to move to within two matches of a record 21st Grand Slam title with an incredible display of guts and resilience against the talented 22-year-old. The sixth seed edged the Canadian 14th seed 6-3, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-3 in 4hr 8min of thrilling action on Rod Laver Arena.

“I was honestly destroyed physically. But my serve worked well, and for me, every game that I was winning with my serve was a victory,” said Nadal.