Australian Open: Rafael Nadal made to sweat by spirited Khachanov, enters 4th round

Melbourne: Tennis superstar Rafael Nadal had to fight up to two hours and 50 minutes carve an uphill battle 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 Winning over Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Karen Khachanov and entering the fourth round of men’s singles competition at the Australian Open 2022.

20-time Grand Slam champion Nadal starts off with confidence At the historic Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. Nadal Not only did he retain his serve in the second game of the match, he broke the serve of his rival Karen Khachanov to take a 3–0 lead.

The 2009 Australian Open champion won the opening set 6–3. In the second set as well, Nadal fought his way breaking his opponent’s serve in the very first game as there were seven deuce in the game which Spain eventually won. Nadal broke them again in the fifth game and won the second set 6-2.

When it looked like Nadal would take the match in straight sets, Russia broke the Spaniard in the fourth game of the third set to take a vital 3–1 lead. Both players saved their serve from there and the third set ended 6-3 in favor of Karen Khachanov.

Karen Khachanov’s return to the match came as a glimmer of hope for the Russian, but her effectiveness did not last long as sixth-seeded Nadal retained his serve in the fourth set to lead him 3–0 in the next one. broke in the race.

The 2009 champions broke the Russian for the second time in the fourth set to lead 5–1 and won the match 6–1.