TIME VIOLATION? Why Shapovalov was so upset with Nadal

Denis Shapovalov explains why he was not happy with the Rafael Nadal during the Australian Open quarterfinals

Shapovalov Upset With Nadal

Denis Shapovalov and Rafael Nadal had a rough battle at the Australian Open when Nadal defeated the Canadian player in 5 sets 6-3 6-4 4-6 3-6 6-3.

During the match, Denis was irked many times with Rafael Nadal. According to the Canadian player, the Spanish champion took too much time between points. Shapovalov was extremely upset when Nadal interrupted his rhythm on Denis’ serve when taking his time. Then Shapovalov expressed his dissatisfaction with Nadal taking a medical evaluation and a toilet break back to back.

Denis lost his cool with the umpire Carlos Bernardez to say to him: “You are all corrupted!” (later he admitted he misspoke).

During the press conference that followed the match, Shapovalov commented:

“I misspoke when I said he’s corrupt or whatever I said. It’s definitely emotional but I do stand by my side. I think it’s unfair, you know, how much Rafa is getting away with.
I mean, I’m completely ready to play and the clock is ticking 3, 2,1, clicking towards zero, and I’m looking at the ump, and, you know, obviously I’m going to speak up and say something. I’ve been ready to play for a minute and a half, and he tells me he’s not going to give him a code violation because I’m not ready to play. To me, it’s a big joke if somebody says that.

And then after the fourth set, I mean, the guy goes – and for the same thing last year I wasn’t allowed to take a toilet break when I asked for a medical. He had already taken two medicals. He was getting medically evaluated, that’s what the ump said after the fourth set, getting medically evaluated, and after the evaluation the guy goes and takes a toilet break.

It’s like, where is the line? Where are you going to step on the players and say, Okay – and again, I respect everything that Rafa has done and I think he’s an unbelievable player. But, you know, there’s got to be some boundaries, some rules set. It’s just so frustrating as a player. You know you feel like you’re not just playing against the player; you’re playing against the umpires; you’re playing against so much more.

It’s difficult. I mean, it was a big break after the fourth set for this reason, and the momentum just goes away. You know, it’s much more difficult to play, I think. Again, not trying to say anything against Rafa. I mean, he’s a great player. I really respect all he’s done. But I just think it’s super difficult and super frustrating as, you know, an athlete to go up against all of this.”

Denis Shapovalov in 2022

Denis Shapovalov

6 - 8win/loss

Hard
3-5
I Hard
3-3
24 year old
LWWLWLLWWL
2024 Highlights

At the moment ranked no.14, Shapovalov played his last match on the 25th of January when he surrendered to world no.5 Rafael Nadal 6-3 6-4 4-6 3-6 6-3 in the quarter in Australian Open (draw).

This year Shapovalov has achieved a 7-2 match record.

Shapovalov
Australian Open
Shapovalov's Record

Nadal at the Australian Open, ranking, and results in 2022

Rafael Nadal

2 - 1win/loss

Hard
2-1
37 year old
LWW
2024 Highlights

Now ranked no.5, Nadal owns a compiled 8-0 win-loss record in 2022. Rafael is currently competing at the Australian Open where he ousted Marcos Giron 6-1 6-4 6-2, Yannick Hanfmann 6-2 6-3 6-4, Karen Khachanov 6-3 6-2 3-6 6-1, Adrian Mannarino 7-614 6-2 6-2 and Denis Shapovalov 6-3 6-4 4-6 3-6 6-3.

The Spaniard has won 1 title in 2022 in Melbourne.

The Spaniard won 89 titles in his career: 22 on hard courts, 62 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 4 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)

Nadal
Australian Open
Nadal's Record
Nadal
Projected
Draw
 

Denis Shapovalov and Rafael Nadal clashed against each other 5 times. Their actual record is 4-1 for Nadal. Before, the last time they fought against each other, Rafael Nadal won 6-3 6-4 4-6 3-6 6-3 in the quarter in Melbourne (Australian Open) on the 25th of January 2022.

You can see them in action in the following highlights.