Nadal Fends Off Shapovalov, Advances to Semis in Australia

Nadal Fends Off Shapovalov, Advances to Semis in Australia
Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates winning his quarterfinal match against Canada's Denis Shapovalov at the 2022 Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, on Jan. 25, 2022. Loren Elliott/Reuters
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MELBOURNE, Australia—With another Australian Open semifinal spot secured after a four-hour, five-set victory, Rafael Nadal looked toward his support team in Rod Laver Arena and nodded his head.

It was like he was just confirming the plan: Five wins down, two to go in his bid for a men’s record 21st major title.