Rafael Nadal beats Fritz to advance to the Wimbledon semi-finals
Wimbledon: Rafael Nadal comesback from being 2-1 down to take the 5th and decider set. This win sets up a tasty clash with Nick Kyrgios.
Taylor Fritz had Rafael Nadal on the ropes but, it was the Spanish maestro who came out on top at the end. Nadal beat Fritz, 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 6-6(10-4).
An intense clash saw the French Open champion struggle with injury during the match but, he was able to compete and win against Fritz.
Nadal used drop shots to the fullest as they turned out to be crucial point winners for the Spanish champion. Post his win, Rafa was greeted with a loud cheer from the supportive crowd.
Watch the post match interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9-HPEhJ43M
In the post match interview first up, Rafa was asked how did you manage to win that clash.
Rafa answered, “I don’t know. Honestly, I enjoy a lot playing these matches in front of all of you guys. Thank you everybody for the support today.”
Rafael Nadal had gone off during the match due to an injury. Many thought this was the end of the former champions’ tournament.
“There is something going on with the abdomen, so I had to change a bit, how I served. For a lot of moments, even I was thinking I would not be able to finish the match but, the court and the energy from the supporters helped me power through.”
“Back in 2008, I did not think it would be possible for me to play here at the Wimbledon in 2022 but, here we are and I am happy about that.”
Lastly, Rafael Nadal speaks about the semi-final clash with the Australian Nick Kyrgios, who beat Crisitan Garin in 3 straight sets, to reach the semi-finals.
“I hope to be ready to play the semi-final. Nick is a great player and it will be a tough challenge. I would have to be at my 100%, if I were to get past Nick.”
The first semi final will see homegrown talent Cameron Norrie face off against World number 1, Novak Djokovic, while the second semi final sees Rafael Nadal face red hot Nick Kyrgios.
Both the semi-finals will be played at the Centre court, on the 8th of July. We could have yet another clash between arch rivals Nadal and Djokovic. The two of them together, have 42 Grand Slams between them.
