MELBOURNE, Australia — Rafael Nadal’s bid for a record 21st men’s Grand Slam singles title ended Wednesday night when he lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece in the quarterfinals at the Australian Open.
Tsitsipas dropped the first two sets but came back to defeat Nadal, the second-ranked player in the world, 3-6, 2-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4, 7-5, in a grueling four-hour duel for the biggest win of his Grand Slam career.
Nadal played a near flawless first three sets, not allowing a break of his serve or even a break point, and he appeared in full control of the match.