On the one hand, the number 7 in the ranking, 25 years old, aunt hopes e quality, per to grow up again and reach another Grand Slam final. On the other hand, the number 6, 36 years old in a few months, 20 Grand Slams won in career and that desire to return to win in Australian land to overcome Roger e Novak. Rafa Nadal’s 2021 was anything but simple: a defeat in the final at Roland Garros against Djokovic, the defeat in Madrid and the consolation of Rome. The new year seems to have started better than the past one, with Melbourne winning earlier this month.
Quite fairly clear path up to the quarters, without too many difficulties or level opponents. Suffers against Shapovalov, which however sins of inexperience mental: wins in five sets 3-2. Play a very simple tennis, suffer from a injury and is forced to go out for a few minutes. In this tournament only he has the possibility from overtake everyone for Grand Slams won. But on his way he found young people of high level. And in the semifinal there is Matteo Berrettini. On the other side of the board the Russian Medvedev and the Greek Tsitsipas.
The last one previous between the Italian and the Majorcan (won by the latter), it dates back to semifinale Us Open del 2019. Rafa’s last four defeats have been against a top 10 in the ranking, like Matteo. AND’ underdog, but he can play it all the way.
I first two sets I’m almost dominated by Nadal: it is fresh, lucid and precise. He aims to undermine Matteo’s certainties and takes his service from him at the first opportunity: after a few minutes we are on 4-2 for the Spanish champion. He plays his best tennis in recent months. Surgical in the fast and prolonged play. Many exchanges and many field shifts, which will immediately make Matteo understand that today will play versus two opponents: Spanish and the net. In fact, there are many blows that crash on tape, one of the most frustrating moments of a tennis player.
It holds the field well the Roman, but often Nadal hits best in the hardest moments. In the second set it grows a lot and moves the game even better: double break. For two consecutive times he takes the service from Berrettini who can not help but conserve his energy and give up first two sets for 6-3, 6-2.
Things change in the third. Substantial balance up to 3-3, when Matteo begins to wear down the Majorcan’s hips and takes home two consecutive games, stretching on 5-3. Two aces, no double faults, an incredible percentage (84%) of first balls in the opponent’s court. At the net he no longer suffers as in the first two sets, he places 9 winning shots in the whole set, which ends 6-3.
In fourth set, seems to be back balance until 3-3. In reality Nadal holds the serve with difficulty, while Matteo does it three consecutive times to zero. Three aces and positive numbers in the first balls served. This apparent stability, seems to allow him the possibility from bring the match to the fifth set: Nadal keeps the serve, 3-4. It’s up to Matteo beat to keep the serve, but for the first time he suffers, a few mistakes too many and a few blows that break on the tape: break Nadal, who now beats for the match. Yet another winning shot, yet another hit on the tape: Rafa can cheer.
The Majorcan is in the final for the sixth time career in Australia e for the 29th time in a Grand Slam. Now he can really reach the twenty-first. A player simply Infinity. Matteo comes out of the “down under” tournament with a very high head, against an opponent with a lot of experience in games like this. Adds a brick to hers growth personal, to his own experience. Another semifinal and a 2022 to be written. Gives hero.
