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'How's that possible': Crazy detail in Rafa Nadal's Aus Open marathon

Rafa Nadal (pictured left) getting some cold air between points and (pictured right) in discomfort between points.
Rafa Nadal (pictured) lost up to 4kg during his match against Denis Shapovalov in the sweltering Melbourne heat at the Australian Open. (Getty Images)

Gladiators Rafa Nadal and Denis Shapovalov put on an Australian Open classic on Tuesday in the sweltering Melbourne heat and the toll of the conditions has now been revealed.

Nadal was pushed to five-sets with a fiery Shapovalov, with the 20-time grand slam champ showing his famous fight to prevail in an all-time classic.

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Both players became agitated during the scorching heat and Nadal admitted he was 'completely destroyed' after the battle.

He limped through the third and fourth sets, often draped in cold towels, but came back with a vengeance after a medical timeout and some tablets.

Speaking after the match, Nadal admitted he had been in serious trouble as temperatures soared well above 30 degrees.

“I was completely destroyed after that. It was a very tough day, very warm,” he said.

“I am not 21 anymore. After this match it is great to have two days off.

“I really believe I’m going to be ready for the semi-finals. It means everything to me.”

Now, reporter Jon Wertheim has revealed Nadal lost approximately 4kg of weight in sweat during the titanic battle.

Fortunately, Nadal has two days to rest before playing Matteo Berretini in the semi-final of the Australian Open.

Rafael Nadal satisfied with illustrious career

Following the match, the 35-year-old was not looking to far ahead and admitted he is simply happy to still be contending in grand slams.

"I don't believe that my happiness, my future happiness is gonna depend on if achieve one more grand slam than the others or if the others achieve more grand slams than me," Nadal said.

Rafael Nadal (pictured) sitting down during a quarter finals match against Denis Shapovalov.
Rafael Nadal (pictured) during a quarter finals match agsinst Denis Shapovalov at the Australian Open. (Photo by PATRICK HAMILTON/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images) (PATRICK HAMILTON via Getty Images)

"I am super satisfied and feel a very lucky person in general for all the things that happen to me in this life.

"You can't be always frustrated if the neighbour has a bigger house than you or a better phone or a better thing.

"I'm not going to be frustrated if Novak or Roger finishes the career with more grand slams than me."

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