The world number five overcame Russian Karen Khachanov and advanced to the round of 16.
Rafael Nadal, number 5 in world tennis, gave up his first set at the Australian Open 2022 against the Russian Karen Khachanov (30th), whom he nevertheless defeated comfortably by 6-3, 6-2, 3-6 and 6-1, this Friday in the third round of the tournament.
In the round of 16, the 35-year-old Majorcan will face fellow Russian Aslan Karatsev (15th) or Frenchman Adrian Mannarino (69th).
“It is surely my best match in the tournament,” Nadal congratulated after beating Khachanov, a hard court specialist.
The Spaniard had already impressed in the first round by eliminating the American Marcos Giron (66th) 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 in his return to one of the greats, after a month recovering from an injury in a foot and COVID-19, which he contracted in December.
In the second round, against the German Yannick Hanfmann (126th), the winner of 20 Grand Slams had won 6-2, 6-3, 6-4.
“This is a very special week for me. Coming from where I come from, that makes things very special”, said Nadal, adding that the memories of those difficult months increase his energies.
Khachanov has been Nadal’s first rival in the Top 60 so far this year, and now the direct balance is eight wins for the Spaniard and none for the Russian.
For Nadal, it will be the 15th time he has broken into the top 16 at the Australian Open, and the 51st time he has played the last 16 of a Grand Slam. (D)
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