It's not easy winning a match in a Grand Slam tournament, especially against an all-time great like Rafael Nadal. And for Denis Shapovalov, it's even harder when the umpires are not being completely fair, with regards to the leash they give to players when it comes to rests in between points and sets. After losing to Nadal in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, Shapovalov openly expressed his dismay over how the match was managed by the umpires.

Via ESPN:

“I respect everything that Rafa has done, and I think he's an unbelievable player. But, you know, there's got to be some boundaries, some rules set,” Shapovalov said. “It's just so frustrating as a player. You feel like you're not just playing against the player; you're playing against the umpires, you're playing against so much more.”

Shapovalov's run in the 2022 Australian ended in a 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 3-6 loss to Nadal, which he obviously accepts but he was not going to let it go without speaking his mind. His frustration might have gotten the better of him when he spoke to the media, but the Ukrainian-Canadian, but at only 22 years old, he's definitely got plenty of time to make up for this loss.

Article Continues Below
Related Tennis News
Coco Gauff of the United States returns a shot during her match against Olivia Gadecki of Australia on day three at Roland Garros Stadium.
Coco Gauff laughs off racket delay in opening-round winMiguel La Torre ·
Jan 26, 2025; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates with the Australian Open title during the prize presentation of the men's single at the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
Jannik Sinner sends message to Rafael NadalZachary Draves ·
Naomi Osaka of Japan reacts to a point during her match against Paula Badosa of Spain on day two at Roland Garros Stadium.
Naomi Osaka makes heartbreaking admission after French Open 1st-round lossTroy Finnegan ·
Featured image Aryna Sabalenka
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka dominates in tournament openerDylan Fine ·
Rafael Nadal of Spain during the presentation ceremony paying tribute to his career on a packed Court Philippe Chatrier Courtday on day one at Roland Garros Stadium.
Rafael Nadal hears iconic Roland Garros intro one final timeTroy Finnegan ·
Roger Federer of Switzerland, Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Andy Murray of Great Britain with Rafael Nadal of Spain during the presentation ceremony paying tribute to the career of Rafael Nadal of Spain on a packed Court Philippe Chatrier Courtday on day one at Roland Garros Stadium.
Rafael Nadal shares epic moment with Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy MurrayTroy Finnegan ·

This run was the deepest in his Australian Open career. The furthest he's reached before in the tourney was the Round of 32, which he did twice.

As for Nadal, he's due to face Matteo Berrettini in the semifinals on Thursday.