Rafael Nadal Overtakes Andre Agassi in Unique Record After Successful Comeback Ahead of Australian Open 2022

Over the past few days, the tennis world has been witnessing rapid developments over the Novak Djokovic and his Australia deportation. The Serbian decided to appeal in court against his visa cancelation and the court will hear the appeal on Monday. Meanwhile, other WTA and ATP stars continue to participate in matches according to their schedules.

One such athlete who made a comeback to the ATP tour this week was the Spaniard Rafael Nadal. Nadal, who last appeared on tour during the US hard-court summer last year, had to skip the rest of the season because of a foot injury. After undergoing proper treatment, Nadal played the Mubadala exhibition tournament and lost both of his matches to Andy Murray and Denis Shapovalov.

Rafael Nadal surpasses Andre Agassi in a unique record after reaching semis at Melbourne Summer Set

But the Spaniard started the 2022 season on a winning note as he made a confident comeback at the ATP 250 event in Melbourne. The 20-time Grand Slam champion defeated Ričardas Berankis in his opening match and was given a walkover in the quarters against Tallon Griekspoor. 

As a result of this, Nadal reached the semis at the Melbourne Summer Set event and surpassed legendary American tennis player Andre Agassi in a unique record. The Spaniard surpassed Agassi in the number of days between the first and last semi-final appearance at an ATP event.

Agassi made his first ATP semis appearance in Seoul, 1987. The American was defeated by compatriot Jim Grabb in the final. Since then, Andre’s impressive run continued on the men’s tour as he managed to clinch eight majors and continued on tour till 2005. His final semi-final appearance came in-front of his home-crowd at the 2005 US Open.

Agassi’s difference between his first and last semi-final was 6706 days. By reaching the semis in Melbourne, Nadal’s span increased to 6741 days. In any record, it’s always impressive to beat a stalwart of the game like Andre Agassi.

Coming to the Melbourne Summer Set, Rafael Nadal will next face Emil Ruusuvuori in the final four. The match takes place at Rod Laver Arena on Saturday at 2:45 pm local time.  

Also read: ‘Guy Played By the Rules’: Ex Australian Open Director Slams Government Over Novak Djokovic’s Detention