What was the key to Taylor Fritz's first win against Carlos Alcaraz? "Getting out of that first game"

Thirteen years ago Rafael Nadal captured his first and only Australian Open title, but he has a chance to change that come Sunday. The world No. 5 made it through a 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 thriller against Italy's Matteo Berrettini to secure his final-round spot where he will face (insert).

Following the win he spoke with Jim Courier about how special this moment is and unexpected.

"It's all about the Australian Open more than anything else. It's just an amazing event and as I said a couple of days ago—I have been a little bit unlucky in my career with some injuries, and other times I played amazing finals with good chances against Novak 2012, against Roger in 2017.

"I was close a couple of times. I feel very lucky that I've won once in my career, 2009. But, I never thought about another chance in 2022."

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Putting the 'happy' in the 'happy Slam' 🤩@RafaelNadal · #AusOpen · #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/brg988BnlS
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2022

Just like one fan's sign read in the crowd—he may not be 21 years old anymore, but that doesn't seem to matter because he's still got it. Nadal's semifinal win sees him claim his 500th hard-court win and a 29th Grand Slam final appearance. For now, Nadal will enjoy the moment and embrace the "unexpected" run Down Under, and with a record-breaking 21 major titles within reach he will surely leave everything on the court.

end with head-to-head rec

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Baseline

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Quote of the Day: Nadal never expected "another chance" to win the Australian Open

INTERVIEW: R. Nadal; Australian Open SF

"I never thought about another chance in 2022"

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