Australian Open: Rafael Nadal defeats Karen Khachanov in four sets to reach fourth round
Categories: SPORTS
Rafael Nadal beats Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 in two hours and 50 minutes to enter the fourth round of men`s singles of the Australian Open 2022 here at the Rod Laver Arena.The 20-time grand slam champion Nadal started off on a confident note not only holding his serve but breaking the his opponent Karen Khachanov`s serve in the second game of the match to take a 3-0 lead. The 2009 Australian Open champion won the opening set 6-3.In the second set too Nadal broke his opponent`s serve in the very first game fighting his way as there were seven deuce in the game which the Spaniard finally won. Nadal broke him again in the fifth game and pocketed the second set 6-2.Just when it seemed that Nadal will take the match away in straight sets the Russian clawed his way back breaking the Spaniard in the fourth game of the third set to take a crucial 3-1 lead.The 2009 champion broke the Russian for the second time in the fourth set to take a 5-1 lead and serve for the match to win it 6-1.