Tennis: Former world number one Rafael Nadal surged into the final round of the Australian Open after sweeping aside Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece in their semi-final clash of the men’s singles event here on Thursday.
The 32-year-old ended the dream run of Stefanos who had caused the biggest upset of the competition by knocking out defending champion Roger Federer in the fourth round of the tournament. Nadal registered a 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 victory over his Greek opponent in a clash that lasted one hour and 45 minutes.
Well aware about the damaging abilities of Stefanos, Nadal ensured to keep his opponent under pressure right from the first set. The Spaniard earned the first break point of the match and forced Stefanos into errors to take a dominating 5-2 lead. With the help of 26 winners and three service points, Nadal sealed the opening set in 32 minutes.
The dominant display of the world number two player continued in the second set as well as he earned 5-4 advantage against the Greek player. losing just seven of his service points, Nadal managed to win the set 6-4.
Stefanos made few attempts to hit back but the Spaniard proved too wild to be tamed. He claimed the third set without losing a game and advanced into his fifth Australian Open final.
The second semi-final of the men’s singles event will be played between Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic and Lucas Pouille of France on January 25.
[source_without_link]ANI[/source_without_link]