Australian Open: Berrettini fights his way into the semifinals against Nadal
Matteo Berrettini is in the semifinals of the Australian Open for the first time after beating Gael Monfils in five sets. There the Italian meets Rafael Nadal.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Jan 25, 2022, 02:45 pm
How the pictures were similar in the Rod Laver Arena this Tuesday: First, Rafael Nadal won the first two sets against Denis Shapovalov , lost rounds three and four - and then managed exactly when the momentum seemed to be on the Canadian's side, yet another turning point. A few hours later, Matteo Berrettini and Gael Monfils delivered exactly the same gameplay. Then Berrettini was ahead with 6: 4, 6: 4, 3: 6, 3: 6 and 6: 2.
This means that Nadal and Berrettini meet again in a semifinal of a major: In 2019 the Italian had reached the semifinals of a Grand Slam tournament at the US Open for the first time - like in Melbourne after beating Gael Monfils. Nadal not only won the match against Berrettini, but also the tournament in a five-set thriller against Daniil Medvedev. A meeting with the Russian is also possible in Melbourne: However, Medvedev will first play in the quarter-finals against Félix Auger-Aliassime, and if successful then either against Stefanos Tsitsipas and/or Jannik Sinner.
In the encounter with Monfils, Berrettini initially took control with his serve, Monfils fought his way back into the game. And, cheered on by wife Elina Svitolina, seemed to be on the road to victory after equalizing the set. Berrettini started the fifth set better and quickly led 4-0 after two breaks. Although Monfils won two more service games, after a playing time of 3:48 hours, Matteo Berrettini used his third match point.
Berrettini is the first Italian to reach the semifinals at the Australian Open. Monfils failed again on the 17th attempt.
Here is the individual tableau in Melbourne
laver arena