Australian Open: Nadal stunned by spirited Tsitsipas in quarter-final collapse

Only once in Nadal's grand slam career had he previously let a two-set lead slip and such a slump appeared entirely improbable as he dominated Tsitsipas on Rod Laver Arena.

But the 20-time major champion, chasing a record-breaking 21st title, struggled to recover his momentum after dropping a set for the first time in the tournament when the third went to a tie-break.

The courageous Tsitsipas grew in confidence and landed a momentous second career win over Nadal to reach a third slam semi after a four-hour 3-6 2-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 7-5 epic.

What. A. BattleWe know you'll be back @RafaelNadal #AO2021 | #AusOpenl pic.twitter.com/LU2BmBFLa6

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 17, 2021

A back issue had hampered Nadal at the start of the tournament, but his progress thereafter - up until the third set on Wednesday - was serene.

While Daniil Medvedev, the last-four opponent in waiting, queried what would happen to Nadal "if somebody pushes him to a five-hour match", Tsitsipas appeared unlikely to provide such a test when a backhand return beat his attempted serve and volley to forge a first break point in the eighth game of the opener.

Tsitsipas went long, allowing Nadal to serve out the set, and was swiftly on the back foot again when a sweeping backhand teed up another opening, which was taken once more.

A superb forehand left Tsitispas marooned on the opposite side of the court, a theme that continued as Nadal blasted past his opponent at the net for another break opportunity, quickly converted en route to wrapping up a rapid second set.

However, improved serving from the Greek in the third took Nadal to a tie-break, where a wild, wayward volley and another missed overhead gifted Tsitsipas the set and a foothold.

Emboldened by that unexpected boost, Tsitsipas applied pressure for the first time and, although three opportunities initially came and went, he broke for the first time at the end of a second consecutive Nadal service game of more than seven minutes.

A steely hold set up the decider and Tsitsipas was not about to let the opportunity pass, dictating the play and breaking again to love, before clinching victory despite a late show of nerves as Nadal went down fighting.

"I'm speechless. I have no words." @steftsitsipas | #AO2021 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/pSfC4671Nd

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 17, 2021

Fabio Fognini, at the 2015 US Open, was the only player to previously come from two sets down to beat Nadal at a grand slam. But when Nadal's 35-set winning streak at majors ended in the breaker, he lost his composure, his 14 unforced errors in the fourth set evidence of a turning tide.

Tsitsipas - 49/38 Nadal - 58/42

Tsitsipas - 17/0 Nadal - 15/2