Stefanos Tsitsipas will take on Rafael Nadal for the 8th time in his career in the Australian Open semifinal. The Greek sensation has always struggled against the King of Clay with a grim 1-6 head to head record. Stefanos was blown away by Rafa 2 years ago in the Australian Open semifinal 6-2 6-4 6-0. On that occasion, he revealed that he felt completely overpowered. Tsitsipas managed to beat Nadal only once and curiously that was on (the fast) clay in Madrid.
Talking about his next match against Nadal, Tsitsipas commented:
“I have great respect for Nadal, I grew up watching him play. Every match against him is an experience of a lifetime. It will a chance for me to show where I am as a player, a big challenge. It will be an amazing match.”
Tsitsipas at the Australian Open, ranking, and results in 2021
Currently the world no.6, the Greek achieved a composed 5-0 record in 2021. Stefanos is currently having a run at the Australian Open where he toppled Gilles Simon 6-1 6-2 6-1, Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-75 6-4 6-1 6-75 6-4, Mikael Ymer 6-4 6-1 6-1 and Matteo Berrettini w/o.
Tsitsipas won 5 titles in his career: 1 on clay courts and 4 on indoor courts. (See the list of his titles)
Nadal at the Australian Open, ranking, and results in 2021
Ranked world no.2, the Spaniard has managed to achieve a composed 4-0 record in 2021. Rafael is currently playing at the Australian Open where he defeated Laslo Djere 6-3 6-4 6-1, Michael Mmoh 6-1 6-4 6-2, Cameron Norrie 7-5 6-2 7-5 and Fabio Fognini 6-3 6-4 6-2.
The Spaniard won 86 titles in his career: 21 on hard courts, 60 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 4 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Rafael Nadal faced off 7 times. Their actual head to head record is 6-1 for Nadal. The last time they squared off, Rafael Nadal won 6-4 4-6 6-2 in the round robin in London (Nitto ATP Finals) in November 2020.
In the video below you can watch the highlights.
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Rafael Nadal |
| Embed from Getty Images |
