IT is getting to the pointy end of the 2022 Australian Open, with just the four singles matches per day yesterday and today. In our day nine scoreboard, the first of the semi-finalists were determined, with an unseeded woman remaining alive, though having the biggest task in tennis at the moment, whilst both the higher ranked men advanced as expected.
In the men’s, the rather predictable semi-final of Rafael Nadal and Matteo Berrettini eventuated. Both quarter finals were absolute epics, lasting a combined eight hours and 10 sets to give the respective winners plenty of match time ahead of their semi-final. Despite knocking out third seed Alexander Zverev, Denis Shapovalov could not overcome Nadal despite a fierce comeback from two sets to love down. In the late match, it was a similar story with Berrettini in control over Gael Monfils, before the Frenchman won the next two sets to force a decider, but the Italian settled to win in five.
MEN’S SINGLES – QUARTER FINALS:
[6] Rafael Nadal (ESP) defeated [14] Denis Shapovalov (CAN) 6-3 6-4 4-6 3-6 6-3
[7] Matteo Berrettini (ITA) defeated [17] Gael Monfils (FRA) 6-4 6-4 3-6 3-6 6-2
MATCHES TO WATCH TODAY – QUARTER FINALS:
[2] Daniil Medvedev (RUS) vs. [9] Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN)
[4] Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) vs. [11] Jannik Sinner (ITA)
In the women’s draw, world number one Ash Barty completely destroyed 21st seed Jessica Pegula, throwing back to her first and second round wins. The Australian has hardly missed a beat all tournament, and stormed into the last four with a comprehensive victory. The one upset of the day went to the in-form Madison Keys who is coming off a title in Adelaide. She toppled fourth seed Barbora Krejcikova in straight sets, winning 6-3 6-2 to advance through to the semi-finals to face Barty. The other semi-finalists will be decided today, with a couple of unseeded hopes remaining alive.
WOMEN’S SINGLES – QUARTER FINALS:
[1] Ash Barty (AUS) defeated [21] Jessica Pegula (USA) 6-2 6-0
Madison Keys (USA) defeated [4] Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) 6-3 6-2
MATCHES TO WATCH TODAY – QUARTER FINALS:
[7] Iga Swiatek (POL) vs. Kaia Kanepi (EST)
[27] Danielle Collins (USA) vs. Alize Cornet (FRA)
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