Matteo Berrettini withstands comeback to beat Gael Monfils and set up Australian Open semi-final against Rafael Nadal

Matteo Berrettini withstood an impressive comeback attempt from Gael Monfils before beating the veteran Frenchman in a crowd-pleasing five-set match to reach his first Australian Open semi-final. Monfils rallied from two sets down but Berrettini recovered to win 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 3-6, 6-2 on Rod Laver to set up a semi-final against Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard had outlasted Denis Shapovalov in another epic five-setter earlier.

Berrettini is the first Italian man ever to reach the last four at the Melbourne Grand Slam. Ad/> Berrettini looked headed for a routine win when he took a 2-0 lead after coming through an epic game that lasted nearly 20 minutes before the Italian managed to hold for 2-2 in the second set. Australian Open'It should be equal for everyone' — Shapovalov hits out after testy Nadal clash5 HOURS AGO The game featured three break points for Monfils, 10 deuces and several spectacular rallies that brought the crowd to their feet in appreciation.

Berrettini finally closed it out with a service winner and then ran away with the second set, breaking for a 4-3 lead before serving it out to love. Rafael Nadal outlasts Denis Shapovalov in fiery five-set epic to reach Australian Open semifinals Barty eases past Pegula to set up Keys semi-final But the 35-year-old Monfils, backed by a supportive crowd, refused to surrender. The Frenchman saved three break points before holding for 2-1 in the third set, then finally earned his first break for a 4-2 lead when Berrettini double-faulted for the first time in the match.