![223-2: Nadal Blows 2-set Lead Against Tsitsipas in Australia](http://townsquare.media/site/432/files/2021/02/GettyImages-1302612954.jpg?w=630&h=420&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89&w=980&q=75)
223-2: Nadal Blows 2-set Lead Against Tsitsipas in Australia
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Rafael Nadal’s bid for a men’s-record 21st Grand Slam title has ended with a five-set loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Australian Open quarterfinals. It is only the second time in Nadal’s career he has lost a Grand Slam match after taking the opening two sets. He went ahead rather easily against Tsitsipas to run his streak of consecutive sets won at major tournaments to 35. But a surprisingly poor tiebreaker by Nadal helped give the third set to Tsitsipas and begin the epic comeback. Now the 22-year-old from Greece will try to reach his first major final by beating Daniil Medvedev on Friday.
More From 1460 ESPN
![Federer, Nadal to team up in doubles at Laver Cup on Friday](http://townsquare.media/site/432/files/2022/09/attachment-GettyImages-1426205775.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Carlos Alcaraz Wins US Open for 1st Slam Title, Top Ranking](http://townsquare.media/site/432/files/2022/09/attachment-GettyImages-1422924489.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Tiafoe ends Nadal’s 22-match Slam Streak in US Open 4th Rd](http://townsquare.media/site/432/files/2022/09/attachment-GettyImages-1421138273.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Serena Williams says ‘Countdown has Begun’ on Tennis Career](http://townsquare.media/site/432/files/2022/08/attachment-GettyImages-1242389226.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Hampered Nadal gets Past Fritz at Wimbledon; Kyrgios Next](http://townsquare.media/site/432/files/2022/07/attachment-GettyImages-1407167951.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Doctor in Tow, Rafael Nadal Heads to French Open Semifinals](http://townsquare.media/site/432/files/2022/06/attachment-GettyImages-1399332713.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Nadal Tops Djokovic in Quarterfinal Thriller at French Open](http://townsquare.media/site/432/files/2022/06/attachment-GettyImages-1400335791.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Might Djokovic vs. Nadal, Part 59, be Their Last?](http://townsquare.media/site/432/files/2022/05/attachment-GettyImages-1323087302.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Defending Champ & Osaka Out! Nadal Advances in French Open](http://townsquare.media/site/432/files/2022/05/attachment-GettyImages-1398649923.jpg?w=980&q=75)