Australian Open: Relentless Nadal crushes Tsitsipas in straight sets, into final
Nadal slayed young gun Tsitsipas, who stunned Federer in the quarterfinals.
Melbourne: Penpix of Australian Open finalist Rafael Nadal after he beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 in the semi-finals at Melbourne Park on Thursday.
The King of Clay has never enjoyed as much success in Australia as he has at the other Grand Slams. But his high-energy tennis has paid off this year with a fifth appearance in the final locked in.
"No, they don't need any message. They are good and they are improving every month."@RafaelNadal gives a classy message to the younger generation ðŸ™#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/YbQNBRKnPH
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2019
Only Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer have played more, with seven. The Spanish great had another stellar year in 2018, winning five titles including his 11th French Open and now has 80 tournament wins to his name, having claimed his first back in 2004.
The injury-plagued Nadal underwent right ankle surgery in November, but hasn't been troubled by the problem in Melbourne.