Rafael Nadal enters into Australian Open semifinals

Rafael Nadal held off Denis Shapovalov 6-3, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-3 in four hours to reach the Australian Open semifinals for the seventh time and keep his bid on track for a men’s-record 21st Grand Slam singles title.

Nadal shares the record of 20 with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic for most singles titles in men’s tennis majors. Neither of those two are in Melbourne.

“I think I had my chances at beginning of the third. I didn’t



get it. I started to feel a little bit more tired. For me, it’s amazing to be in the semifinals.”

The men’s semifinals are both scheduled for Friday, giving Nadal two days off.

“I’m not 21 anymore!” he said. “After this . . . great to have two days off.

“I felt quite good physically in terms of movement. At least it was a great test. I really believe I’m going to be ready for the semifinals.”