TennisSection previews the 2022 Melbourne Open as Rafael Nadal takes on Emil Ruusuvuori in the semifinal on Saturday, January 8th, 2022.
Rafael Nadal received a walkover into the semifinal of the 2022 Melbourne Open. Technically, the Spanish World No. 6 is still seeking back-to-back wins for completed matches for the first time since last year’s French Open. Can he avoid the upset when he takes on Finland’s finest in Emil Ruusuvuori?
Rafael Nadal, as mentioned, did not even have to life his racket after his quarterfinal opponent Tallon Griekspoor withdrew before the match, booking a meeting against Emil Ruusuvuori. The Dutchman’s injury has been classified as a foot problem, denying him the chance to face his idol. Griekspoor was the ATP Challenger Tour’s player of the season last year by a mile, winning an astonishing eight titles at that level – a record-breaking achievement. Griekspoor had carried that momentum to the Australian summer swing at the 2022 Melbourne Open and appeared set to test Nadal who is still slightly short of match practice. While Spaniard would have benefited to play the extra round, his passage to the semifinals could be pyrrhic now that the level of competition will get tougher.
The Spanish World No. 6 will next play Emil Ruusuvuori, the undisputed Finnish No. 1. Ruusuvuori was a late replacement for Covid-stricken Richard Gasquet who tested positive on the eve of the 2022 Melbourne Open. And the World No. 95 has grabbed the opportunity with both hands. He took care of Sebastian Baez pretty routinely in his first-round match, but was pushed by Jordan Thompson to three sets in the next round. A meeting against in-form Alex Molcan was bound to be his toughest test yet, but passed with flying colors. The 22-year-old needed just 68 minutes to record an emphatic 6-2 6-1 win over the Slovak.
Rafael Nadal has not faced Emil Ruusuvuori before their scheduled semifinal match at the 2022 Melbourne Open. Nadal enters the match as the favorite, but will need to polish up a few aspects of his game to avoid defeat. Ruusuvuori is a player who can make life a little problematic for the Spaniard, if the World No. 6 is not proactive. While his game may not be full of zip and energy at this juncture, I expect Nadal to put his experience and resilience on show. He is tennis’ ultimate challenge when his back is against the wall, and his veteran knowhow could be extremely crucial to defeat the inexperienced Finn.
Free Tennis Pick and Prediction: Rafael Nadal in straight sets.
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