Rafael Nadal has reached the round of 16 at the US Open 2018 with a feat of strength. Against a strong Karen Khachanov, the defending champion won 5:7, 7:5, 7:6 (7) and 7:6 (3) and is still dreaming of defending the title.
In a sleeveless vintage look, Rafael Nadal stepped up to the bounce-filled ranks at Arthur Ashe Stadium and had to realize early in the match that the duel against young Russian Karen Khachanov would not be a sure-fire success.
Khachanov acted fearlessly and put pressure on Nadal with quick basic strokes. After defending two break points in his opening game, the 22-year-old took the opportunity to take the lead 3-1 and break. Nadal was visibly impressed and obviously not satisfied with his game.
On the other side, the Moscow challenger remained calm, relied on his strong serve and consistently used his chances up to 4:3. With the approaching set win Khachanov finally left his nerves and Nadal did not miss the opportunity to re-break and equalize 4:4.
However, the good mood of the Spaniard should not be permanent: Over 15 winners Khachanov fired into Nadal’s field in the first set and rewarded himself with another break to 6-5 and the subsequent set win.
Khachanov did not let up in the second set either and caused the next drumbeat in Arthur Ashe right at the beginning. At 1-1, the Russian played aggressively, returned with great shots and grabbed the third break against Nadal, who seemed increasingly at a loss.
Especially the mental state of the 22-year-old was impressive. Khachanov fended off two breakballs again and went 3:1 in front. Nadal always came to chances, which were destroyed with thunderous serves. A re-break by Nadal was equalized by Khachanov with another break to 5:4.
After just under two hours of play, the underdog served to lead the set 2-0 and fended off two more set points so that he could not withstand the defending champion’s attacks. Nadal found with the threatening end in the back always better to his game and struck in the decisive moment. With another break the Spaniard secured the second set with 7:5.
In the best game of the tournament so far, a real thriller developed in set three. The match got even tighter, both players didn’t give anything away and on Friday evening the spectators in New York City were offered tennis at its best.
The decision in set three was sought in the tiebreak, in which Nadal could not use three set points and Khachanov fought back with great morale. At the score of 7:7 Nadal started the decisive pinprick and was able to break away with a mini-break. The fifth match point should put Nadal in front with 2:1 in sets.
In the fourth set, the Russian’s will to fight seemed to have been broken. Nadal took an early break and dominated the match. Striking – and a little cause for concern – was a tape on the Spaniard’s right knee. However, coach Carlos Moya said it was nothing to worry about.
The early break did not seem to give up the Mallorcan and had the chance to put an end to the spectacle in the electrified Arthur Ashe after four high-class and exciting sets. However, the defending champion stumbled, lost his nerve and was broken by Khachanov for a 5-5 equaliser.
The Russian managed his subsequent service play and even had a set point at 6:5, which Nadal could destroy. It went into the tiebreak. There, the world’s top five match points worked their way through in one piece. Khachanov was able to fend off the first two, but the Spaniard scored the third after 4:23 hours of play.