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via Reuters

via Reuters

Denis Shapovalov is battling his heart out at the Australian Open 2022. The 22-year-old is into the quarterfinals of the opening Grand Slam of the season and his match with Rafael Nadal is currently underway. However, he was involved in a heated moment in the match after losing the first set 6-3.

Further, he made his displeasure felt to the chair umpire Carlos Bernardes about the time that Rafa was taking.

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DIVE DEEPER: WATCH: Astonishing Rafael Nadal and Denis Shapovalov Detail Surfaces Ahead of Their Australian Open 2022 Clash

Why is Denis Shapovalov angry with Rafael Nadal?

The Canadian felt that the 20-time Grand Slam champion was slowing him down. Subsequently, Shapovalov was not happy with this and approached the chair umpire Carlos Bernardes. The 22-year-old said, “He just takes so long, I was ready to serve.” Further, he told the umpire to give Nadal some warning.

Moreover, the Canadian added, “You guys are all corrupt.” Shapovalov said this to chair umpire Carlos Bernardes after complaining that Nadal should’ve gotten a time violation.

However, the umpire struck back at the Canadian and said, “Why you look at me? There are eight seconds to play, what do you want?”

The battle today will be the 5th time the two will be facing each other. Rafael Nadal has won on three previous occasions, while Shapovalov managed to defeat the 20-time Grand Slam champion once, excluding a walkover in 2019.

via Reuters

In their match today at the Rod Laver Arena which is currently underway, the Spaniard took the first set 6-3. The Canadian couldn’t hold on to the crucial moments in the match.

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via Reuters

He was broken in the fourth game of the first set, which proved to be decisive. Moreover, Shapovalov managed to get only 50% of his first serves right in the first set as he eventually lost steam.

Is there a way back for the Canadian or will the Spaniard run away with the tie? Let us know what you think in the comments.

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