Australian Open: 'I was a bit lucky,' says Rafael Nadal

Updated On: 24 January, 2022 07:21 AM IST | Melbourne | AFP

Nadal relieved after surviving epic tie-breaker in searing heat to claim 7-6, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Mannarino; powers into quarters

Listen to this article :

Rafael Nadal celebrates a point against Adrian Mannarino during Round 4 of the Australian Open yesterday. Pic/Getty Images

Rafael Nadal came out on top of an epic 28-minute opening-set tiebreaker in sapping heat to power past Adrian Mannarino into the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Sunday. The 20-time Grand Slam champion needed all of his experience and resolve to go on and claim a 7-6, 6-2, 6-2 victory in 2hr 40min on Rod Laver Arena to reach the Last 8. It is the Spanish great’s 14th quarter-final in his 17th visit to Melbourne.

Extraordinary opener

The story of the match was the extraordinary opening-set tiebreak, where Nadal held seven set points and Frenchman Mannarino four. It proved an epic in the searing heat, before Nadal prevailed 16-14 after winning a furious rally.

Latest Photos

Latest Videos

Latest Web Stories

Mid-Day Fast

;

Home / Sports / Other Sports / Article / Australian Open: 'I was a bit lucky,' says Rafael Nadal