The Olympic champion lacked the usual confidence in his groundstrokes against Shapovalov. There was no sign of the self-confidence that had characterized him in the final months of last season after his gold medal in Tokyo. Zverev played incorrectly and didn’t look fresh. The German ATP Finals winner has never beaten a top ten player in a Grand Slam tournament. On Sunday in Melbourne it was not enough for number 14 in the world either.
“At the end of the day, it just wasn’t good enough. There are no excuses. There is nothing. I have to take it on my own and try to do the best,” said the German after the flawed performance. “I could sit here right now and say, ‘I’ve got a cold and something else.’ But no, I’m always very honest. I do not have anything. I just had a shitty week, to be honest. ”But this last assessment should have mainly affected the match against Shapovalov, as Zverev hadn’t made a sentence in the first three rounds.
Nadal demanded only one sentence
Rafael Nadal, on the other hand, has reached the quarterfinals for the 14th time. The Spanish fifth in the world rankings lived up to their role as favorites in a 7-6 (16/14) 6-2 6-2 win over Frenchman Adrian Mannarino. Nadal now meets Shapovalov in the fight for a place in the semifinals.
He won his only Australian Open title so far in 2009. If the 35-year-old wins the title in Melbourne this year, he would expand his major collection to 21 trophies and thus become the sole record winner.
Krejcikova and Keys continue smoothly
The women’s quarter-final duel between Barbora Krejcikova and Madison Keys. French Open winner Krejcikova and former US Open finalist Keys made it to the quarter-finals with clear successes. World number four Krejcikova kept her title chance with a 6:2 6:2 against the two-time Australian Open winner Victoria Asarenka from Belarus.
In her two previous appearances at the first Grand Slam tournament of the season, the Czech had not made it past the second round. “I admire Vica. She’s a champion here. I’m extremely happy that I won today. It’s hard to find words,” said the 26-year-old Czech.
Keys, also 26, needed just 69 minutes for her 6:3 6:1 against the Spanish top ten player Paula Badosa. Keys had reached the final at the US Open in 2017, and her best result to date was the semifinals at the 2015 Australian Open. “I’m just enjoying playing tennis again,” said the number 51 in the world.
Australian Open in Melbourne
(Australia, Grand Slam tournament, AUD 75 million, hard)
men’s singles
Ladies Singles
