Australian Open: "Unfair how much Rafa gets away with" - Denis Shapovalov renewed criticism of Nadal
Denis Shapovalov commented on his outburst of anger in his press conference after beating Rafael Nadal.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Jan 25, 2022, 11:26 am
It was a little excitement in a big match after round 1: Shapovalov wanted to serve after the set break, but opponent Nadal wasn't quite ready yet. What upset the Canadian: A warning was needed, he demanded from referee Carlos Bernardes. who refused. Above all, the referee's statement got "Shapo" going: Bernardes complained that he himself was not ready because he was talking to him. "You are all corrupt," Shapovalov then complained.
Shapovalov on Nadal: "Get so much time"
He had expressed himself wrongly, was emotional, said Shapovalov afterwards in the press round. But he stands by his basic accusation, he explained matter-of-factly and calmly. "It's unfair how much Rafa gets away with." He himself was not allowed to go to the changing room last year after he had already been treated by the physio. And Nadal: "Get so much time between sentences and in general."
Will Rafael Nadal be treated differently?
A special treatment? "Of course, 100 percent," said Shapovalov. "In every other match I've played, the pace was so fast because the umpires would press the clock right after the point." He had the feeling that he not only played against Nadal but also against the referee.
Nadal, on the other hand, countered the statements. "I never felt that I was privileged on the pitch. I think Denis is wrong here," he said. "I think he'll understand later that changing clothes takes a little more time."