Denis Shapovalov fell victim to Rafael Nadal and his own character in the Australian Open quarterfinals. The talented Canadian tennis player, who lost to Rafa in five sets, set the tone in the match by angrily protesting and labeling the chair umpire of the clash, Carlos Bernardes, as “corrupt”, and not content with this, he assured at a press conference that the Spaniard receives favorable treatment from the referees in the times between point and point. Nadal, much calmer, assured that he did not take Denis’ words into account, but he did affirm that the young man had made a mistake.
«I was wrong to say that they are corrupt, but I keep my version . It is unfair to see how many times Rafa gets away with this . Of course I say something to the judge because I am ready to serve and the clock is nearing the end, “Shapovalov began in his appearance, produced after the painful defeat against Nadal at the Rod Laver Arena, after more than four hours of meeting.
« Of course he receives preferential treatment, he takes a long time between points and sets, that’s why we take so long. How can you receive medical attention and go to the bathroom in the same break? ”, He added, openly and questioning whether Nadal had acted lawfully in the match, when he asked the doctor for stomach problems during the fourth set.
Rafa , who also appeared before the media in the press room and celebrated his access to the semifinals, was also clear when talking about Shapovalov and what happened. “I knew that I took a little more time at the end of the first set. Normally they give you a little more time and I took 30 seconds more. I think I needed it and the referee acted correctly. I abide by the rules. I think he was wrong to protest. You will understand that I need to change. There is a new rule, which is the ‘toilet break’. And I follow the rules. I don’t think I have preferential treatment because on the track I don’t deserve it and I don’t have it. There are no advantages for the big players on the court. It is not true because now there is the clock, “he said.
« I guess it’s hard for him to accept defeat and he’s frustrated. He’s young and we all make mistakes. You will understand in time that you have been wrong about this. I’m not going to get into any controversy with him. The rules on the track are the same for everyone. There is a supervisor and a chair umpire who enforce the rules. They sing the minutes to me every time I go to the bathroom. He was wrong and I do not take it into account because I know he is a good boy, “he added.
