Australian Open: Rafael Nadal receives preferential treatment, says Denis Shapovalov

Rafael Nadal is «100%» given preferential treatment by umpires, claimed Denis Shapovalov after his defeat by the Spaniard in their Australian Open quarter-final.

Shapovalov was unhappy with the amount of time he thought Nadal was taking between points and twice complained to umpire Carlos Bernardes.

«I think it's unfair how much Rafa is getting away with,» said Shapovalov.

In reply, 35-year-old Nadal said: «I believe he is wrong in this case.»

Shapovalov, 22, lost in five sets to 20-time Grand Slam champion Nadal at Melbourne Park on Tuesday, having fought back to level after going two sets down.

At the start of the second set, Shapovalov asked Bernardes to give a time violation to the sixth seed.

When the official did not see fit to do so, Shapovalov shouted: «You guys are all corrupt.»

In his post-match news conference, 14th seed Shapovalov said he «misspoke» during the match with emotions riding high but still stood by the wider point.

Players are allowed 25 seconds between shots and two minutes between sets, all timed by a shot clock.

Asked whether he thinks Nadal receives preferential treatment, Shapovalov said: «Of course — 100% he does, 100%. Every other match that I have played, the pace has been so quick because the refs have been on the clock after every single point.

»I'm completely ready to play and the clock is ticking 3, 2, 1, clicking towards zero.

«I'm looking at the umpire and obviously I'm going to speak up and say something.

»I've been ready to play for a minute and a half, and he tells me he's not going to give him a code violation because I'm not ready to play. To me, it's a big joke if somebody says that."

Shapovalov added: «I respect everything that Rafa has done and I think he's an unbelievable player. But