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Australian Open 2021 Quarterfinals: Rafael Nadal vs Stefanos Tsitsipas Preview, Head-to-Head & Prediction
We are inching closer to the end of what has been a splendid Grand Slam tournament. Ahead, for a place in the final four, Rafael Nadal will butt heads with Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Australian Open 2021. In essence, this match has a lot in store for all the tennis fans.
Until now, the 20-time Grand Slam champion from Spain had not dropped a single set in the tournament. Recently, Rafael Nadal overcame the 16th seed, Fabio Fognini, 6-3, 6-4, and 6-2. Thus, he is in a well-set form for his next matchup.
On the other hand, Stefanos Tsitsipas reached the quarterfinals after Matteo Berrettini withdrew due to an abdominal strain. However, he is also playing at the top of his game in this tournament.
Therefore, the battle between the Spanish World No. 2 and the Greek World No. 6 will be one worth watching. And given that they both leave everything out on the court, who will proceed ahead is quite uncertain.
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Rafael Nadal v Stefanos Tsitsipas: Head-to-Head
The head-to-head count heavily favors Rafael Nadal, who has won 6 games and lost 1. But he knows that his opponent has the arsenal to take him down on any given day. Hence, he will be ready to make the score 7-1.
For the Greek, this will be yet another challenge to prove his potential. Interestingly, his only win against the Spaniard has come on a clay court, in the semifinals of the 2019 Madrid Masters.
The duo last met at the 2020 ATP Finals, where Nadal defeated the defending champion Tsitsipas 6-4, 4-6, and 6-2. Also, the Spaniard had also failed the Greek professional in the semifinals of the 2019 Australian Open.
With the memory of that match in mind, World No. 6 will look forward to changing the outcome this time.
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Nadal v Tsitsipas: Prediction
Considering their performances in Melbourne this year, both of them are putting up some great tennis. So it will all come down to who is more comfortable with the faster courts on Wednesday.
Additionally, since they have played each other more than a few times, they know what they need to win. Certainly, Rafa will look to push the Greek behind the baseline and improve his first serve percentage.
Whereas Tsitsipas will need to put the Spaniard out of his rhythm by creating something else out there. Only then will he have a chance to stand up against the Mallorcan machine.
However, if the Spaniard finds his grip in the first set, then he will surely snatch the victory away from his opponent. In conclusion, the first two sets will be definitive in the result of the match.
Prediction: Nadal def. Tsitsipas in the fifth set and reach the semifinals at the Australian Open 2021.
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