Australian Open 2021: Rafael Nadal Storms In The Quarter Final After Defeating Fognini, Inches Closer To 21st Grand-Slam Title

Rafa Nadal, who was unsure of playing before the Australian Open has been relentless this season. He hasn’t dropped a single set till the fourth round.

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The world number two, Rafael Nadal is in pursuit of his world record 21^st grand-slam. He came in to the fourth round game against Italian Fabio Fognini without dropping a single set in the entire tournament. The 16^th-rank seed Fognini came in the match with high hopes, but his fans would be disappointed after a dismal performance.

Nadal won the match 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 and stormed in the quarter final of the Australian Open 2021. Rafa has now won 33 sets on a trot. The record for most-consecutive set wins lies with Roger Federer with 36-consecutive set wins. Nadal came in to the tournament with a lower-back tightness but he altered his service to suit his game. Nadal has won the tournament only once before and would like to better his record at the Australian Open.

With the eight-time Australian Open winner, Djokovic having injury concerns, things look bright for the Spanish seed. Novak Djokovic said after his fourth round victory that playing in the Australian Open was a ‘gamble’ for him due to his abdominal pain. Djokovic will play his Quarterfinal against a strong Zverev while Nadal will have his match against Tsitsipas or Berrettini.

The final of the Australian Open 2021 will be played on 21 February 2021. It will be interesting to see if Rafa wins his 21^st title or Djokovic wins his ninth Australian Open or there would be a new winner.