Second seeded Rafael Nadal will be up against American sensation Frances Tiafoe in his quarter-final that will be played on Tuesday at the 2019 Australian Open.
Watch & bet on Rafael Nadal v Frances Tiafoe live with bet365 here* on Tuesday, January 22. The Nadal v Tiafoe match timings will be announced soon.
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Rafael Nadal v Frances Tiafoe – Head to Head
This is the first time that the two players will be up against each other on the tour.
Nadal Continues Convincing Return
World number two, and 17 Grand Slam winner, Rafael Nadal, continued his convincing return from a long injury layoff, with a 6-0, 6-1, 7-6 victory over Czech veteran Tomas Berdych.
Nadal was in ominous form, giving the Czech minimal opportunities to settle into any rhythm in the first two sets. With a revamped serve, and explosive forehand, Nadal has gone from strength to strength, with every match.
The 2009 Australian Open winner has had his fair share of injuries at Melbourne, that has prevented him from adding to his slam count here. Another title here would make him the only man to win every major, at least twice.
With Roger Federer no longer in his section of the draw, a final clash against old rival, and world number one, Novak Djokovic, looks ever more likely. Nadal looked like the favorite in 2018, before he had to withdraw in his quarter final against Marin Cilic, due to injury, and he will look to make amends this time around.
Without having been stretched thus far, Nadal remains fresh and possibly, has plenty left in the tank, for the next three rounds.
He now takes on the American sensation Frances Tiafoe.
Tiafoe: Can He Continue his Dream Run?
21-year-old, American Frances Tiafoe, has often been referred to as the rising sensation that is unable to live up to his promise, when it matters most. Tiafoe has proven all wrong at this Australian Open, with his first Grand Slam quarter final, and victories against South African Kevin Anderson, and Bulgarian, Grigor Dimitrov.
Tiafoe, who has immense athletic ability, and a destructive forehand, has unleashed his strengths fearlessly all week long. With great court coverage, he has been a handy customer, for all his opponents thus far. He has also managed to play against the tide, and turn the momentum around when needed, like he did against Anderson.
Rafael Nadal v Frances Tiafoe Tips & Predictions
While Tiafoe has proven this past week, that the big names do not deter him from his best performance, an opponent like Rafa Nadal brings challenges not seen often elsewhere. It will be a test of Tiafoe’s ability to hang with Nadal, over extended periods of time.
Tiafoe, who sometimes hesitates to play from the net, will need to ensure that this is not a baseline battle.
It is only a matter of time before Nadal runs most opponents to the ground, if it becomes a baseline battle. Given the occasion, and the opponent, Tiafoe will need to play fearlessly and aggressively. While Tiafoe has the game to challenge Nadal, the Spaniard has form and experience heavily in his favor. Expect Nadal to win in straight sets..
You can watch & bet on Rafael Nadal v Frances Tiafoe live with bet365 here on Tuesday, January 22.
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