Rafael Nadal’s latest bid for grand slam history was ended by a sensational comeback from Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Australian Open.
The 34-year-old Spaniard, bidding to overhaul Roger Federer’s haul of 20 major titles, was two sets up and well on course for a semi-final against Daniil Medvedev.
Nadal was threatening to roll over the 22-year-old from Greece, just as he had in the last four in Melbourne two years ago when he won 6-2 6-4 6-0.
But this time Tsitsipas had other ideas as he completed a stunning 3-6 2-6 7-6 (4) 6-4 7-5 victory to become only the second man, along with Fabio Fognini, to come from two sets down to beat Nadal at a grand slam.
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Tsitsipas somehow clung on to edge the third set, even though Nadal dropped just one point on serve in taking it to a tie-break.
It was the first set Nadal had dropped at the tournament, and brought to an end a run of 35 consecutive sets won at grand slams.
Tsitsipas had his tail up and forced his first break – and the first by either player in two hours – for 5-4 before serving out and levelling the match.
The decider went with serve, with Tsitsipas firing down four aces to win one game, until three unforced Nadal errors gifted his opponent the break for 6-5.
Ever the fighter, Nadal saved two match points but Tsitsipas nailed the third to complete a landmark victory.
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“I’m speechless, I have no words to describe what just happened,” said Tsitsipas on court afterwards.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling to be able to fight at such a level and give my all on court.
“I started very nervous but I don’t know what happened after the third set. I flew like a little bird.
“Everything was working for me and the emotions are indescribable. I’m really happy with the attitude I showed on court.”
Defeat meant Nadal will have to wait another year in his attempt to become the first man to win every grand slam title twice in the Open era.
There was also good news for Australian Open organisers after it was confirmed that fans will be allowed back into Melbourne Park on Thursday after the city’s five-day coronavirus lockdown comes to an end.
The crowd will be capped at 7,477 for each session, which is approximately 50 per cent capacity in the Rod Laver Arena.
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