Two-time Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal had little trouble advancing to the third round, defeating American Donald Young in straight sets on Center Court. He won 6-4, 6-2, 7-5 in two hours, 11 minutes.
Our champ broke in the opening game of the first and second set as Donald struggled with Rafa’s net play. Donald battled fiercely in the third, and earned his first break of serve for 5-5, but Rafa broke back instantly and then served out the match at the second attempt.
Rafa served only four aces, but he had 38 winners and 16 unforced errors. Donald had 31 winners and 22 unforced errors.
After the match, Rafa said:
I’m happy now, it’s great to be back in the third round without losing a set. I take it easy now, just trying to enjoy every moment. I’m having a great season.
Rafa will play Russian Karen Khachanov, ranked 34, in the third round. The 21-year-old Muscovite beat Brazilian Thiago Monteiro in four sets.
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand during the Gentlemen’s Singles second round match against Donald Young of The United States on day three of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 5, 2017 in London, England. (July 4, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Shoe detail of Rafael Nadal of Spain as he serves during the Gentlemen’s Singles second round match against Donald Young of The United States on day three of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 5, 2017 in London, England. (July 4, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal serves against US player Donald Young during their men’s singles second round match on the third day of the 2017 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 5, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Adrian DENNIS / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (July 4, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns against US player Donald Young during their men’s singles second round match on the third day of the 2017 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 5, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Adrian DENNIS / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (July 4, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts against US player Donald Young during their men’s singles second round match on the third day of the 2017 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 5, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Adrian DENNIS / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (July 4, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand during the Gentlemen’s Singles second round match against Donald Young of The United States on day three of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 5, 2017 in London, England. (July 4, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal uses a towel as he changes his t-shirt during a break in play against US player Donald Young during their men’s singles second round match on the third day of the 2017 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 5, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Adrian DENNIS / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (July 4, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal changes his t-shirt during a break in play against US player Donald Young during their men’s singles second round match on the third day of the 2017 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 5, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Adrian DENNIS / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (July 4, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal changes his t-shirt during a break in play against US player Donald Young during their men’s singles second round match on the third day of the 2017 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 5, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Adrian DENNIS / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (July 4, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal changes his t-shirt during a break in play against US player Donald Young during their men’s singles second round match on the third day of the 2017 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 5, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Adrian DENNIS / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (July 4, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal chages his head band during a break in play against US player Donald Young during their men’s singles second round match on the third day of the 2017 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 5, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Adrian DENNIS / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (July 4, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates during the Gentlemen’s Singles second round match Donald Young of The United States on day three of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 5, 2017 in London, England. (July 4, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates during the Gentlemen’s Singles second round match Donald Young of The United States on day three of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 5, 2017 in London, England. (July 4, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates during the Gentlemen’s Singles second round match Donald Young of The United States on day three of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 5, 2017 in London, England. (July 4, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns against US player Donald Young during their men’s singles second round match on the third day of the 2017 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 5, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Adrian DENNIS / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (July 4, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns against US player Donald Young during their men’s singles second round match on the third day of the 2017 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 5, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Adrian DENNIS / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (July 4, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand during the Gentlemen’s Singles second round match Donald Young of The United States on day three of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 5, 2017 in London, England. (July 4, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand during the Gentlemen’s Singles second round match Donald Young of The United States on day three of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 5, 2017 in London, England. (July 4, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand during the Gentlemen’s Singles second round match Donald Young of The United States on day three of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 5, 2017 in London, England. (July 4, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand during the Gentlemen’s Singles second round match Donald Young of The United States on day three of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 5, 2017 in London, England. (July 4, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates during the Gentlemen’s Singles second round match Donald Young of The United States on day three of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 5, 2017 in London, England. (July 4, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal (ESP) v Donald Young (USA) in the second round of the Gentlemen’s Singles on Centre Court. The Championships 2017 at The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon. Day 3 Wednesday 05/07/2017. Credit: AELTC/Florian Eisele.
Rafael Nadal (ESP) v Donald Young (USA) in the second round of the Gentlemen’s Singles on Centre Court. The Championships 2017 at The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon. Day 3 Wednesday 05/07/2017. Credit: AELTC/Florian Eisele.
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates victory after his Gentlemen’s Singles second round match against Donald Young of The United States on day three of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 5, 2017 in London, England. (July 4, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
EPA
Rafael Nadal (ESP) celebrates winning match point against Donald Young (USA) on Centre Court in the Gentlemen’s Singles Second Round. The Championships 2017 at The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon. Day 3 Wednesday 05/07/2017. Credit: AELTC/Eddie Keogh.
Rafael Nadal of Spain acknowledges the crowd after his Gentlemen’s Singles second round match against Donald Young of The United States on day three of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 5, 2017 in London, England. (July 4, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafa played really well as he showed a very good service and volley game and is in fine tune with the grass service . Rafa could conceivably win Wimbledon if he plays this well and if he perhaps amps up his first service . This victory should impel him past his next opponent who is a threat but has limited exoeriencenand can be out maneuvered by Rafa . Anyway , I can’t wait ! Vamos Rafa !!!
I am happy to return of tennis battle in raafa.I had many disappoint in Rafa loose of many times. Now I am happy to returm to enderd victory of nasal. My next ambition is Rafa will won the wimbleton and he will enderd total title against rogger I will like to see the movement.
More on Khachanov vs Nadal according Steve:
It’s safe to say the competition level has ratcheted up in the form of Nadal. Despite not having played any grass court warmup events, Nadal shows no grass-court rust.
Khachanov is a big hitter who could possibly trouble Nadal on this surface but grass may be Khachanov’s least favorite surface; he has less time to set up for his forehand and is frequently forced to hit it out of his strike zone.
On paper, an intriguing matchup but it should be one-way traffic.
[TheGrandstand]
RAFA ROCKS 150%
Congrats Rafa!!! Was very happy to see you so often at the net. Reminded me of younger Rafa.
Steady champ! One by one right up until the end!!!!
VAMOS!
Brilliant display Rafa. Just one match at a time.
vamos
Rafa congrats in your win today .vamosssssssssssssss champ.good luck 🎾🎾🎾🎾👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾
Rafa looked commanding and confident in his match against Young. His shot placements, his attacking at the net, his serving, almost made it look as though he was playing on clay.
He has said in post match interview that Krachanov will be a tough opponent but he says this about everyone he faces. It is not false modesty but just his way of respecting his opponent which is something he has always done. Just as he always takes one match at a time and won’t project beyond that.
But I think that deep down he has expectations that he could be biting the trophy at the end of next week although he will never say it. As far as he wll go is to say ” I hope to have my chances.”
His fans are certainly hoping he will have his chances and that is as far as I am prepared to go at this stage also. I will follow Rafa’s example. Also I don’t want to jinx him by saying anything further..!! Except GOOD LUCK, RAFA. !!!
Toni said that Fed was the favorite BUT he didn’t say Fed was his favorite. I think Rafa’s entire team felt from the beginning that Rafa has a good chance at Wimbledon. As Toni said, if we didn’t have a chance there would be no motivation. A very telling statement. And Carlos saying we would see a great version of Rafa. Francis said Rafa adapted well to the grass. They are a united voice because they are all seeing the same champion, a healthy and confident Rafa.
Take your chances Rafa. The very best.
RAFA ROCKS 150%
Well played Rafa! Becker on the BBC loved your volleying, as did I 🙂 Moya’s comment re “a great version of Rafa” is making more sense now… Glad Rafa beat the sunset as well as his opponent – ‘no’ to the roof and floodlights, job done 🙂
Susie, (and anyone else who had the good fortune to be in the crowd on centre court) – hope you enjoyed your day, must have been amazing to see the match in person, Donald put up a good fight from what i saw. Also hope you knew why Rafa called the trainer on – hope you didn’t panic, it was just to retape his fingers 😌
21-Year-old, 6’6″ Karen Khachanov bested 76-ranked Kuznetzov 7-6[4], 2-6, 6-3, 1-6, 6-2, and 100-ranked Thiago Monteiro 3-6, 7-6[5], 7-6[3], 7-5 in his two previous matches.
At Halle, he won against 36-ranked Gilles Simon 6-2, 6-7[2], 6-3, and 95-ranked Andrev Rubley 7-6[8], 4-6, 6-3. He fell to Federer 6-4, 7-6[5] in the semifinal.
Rafa should not have a problem making it to round 4.
RAFA ROCKS 150%
Karen has nothing to lose against Rafa and he will be extra motivated.
Rafa has to do his homework with team and study well game of the young Russian.
I agree wholeheartedly. Most players are either super motivated or nervous as all heck when facing Rafa. He is a force to be reckoned with.
Yes, they have their homework cut out for them.
RAFA ROCKS 150%
Khachanov.
Great job Rafa!! Young played his part in making it an entertaining match, but a victory for the champ was never in doubt! Mjus, Rafa plays Hkachenov next.
congrat champ on another win. I didnt saw the match because i was working but after i heard you won the first set i knew things were okay. Now against kachanov a russian talented player comparable with marat safin. They are no easy opponents in my opinion. Third round is going to be difficult. Should rafa win this he will probably play against gilles muller. Muller hit 45 aces against rosol and is playing on the age of 34 the best tennis of his life.
That concerns me a lot. I hope the next two matches rafa will be much more sharper so that he can reach the second week.
Rafa great job saw the game live
👏😊👍😍
Well done champ! What a wonderful display, and he just had to throw in some drama at the end:) Stay sharp for round 3, good luck Rafa!
Well done Rafa – you did great 😃👍🏻❤️
The best of luck in third round 🍀🤗
VAMOOS CHAMP! 🎾💪🏼😘
Solid match today. Next round will be a tough one against Kachanov. Good luck and Vamos Rafa <3
Just keep it going Rafa. Vamos Rafa
Rafa, you said if you win your first two matches “ahí cambia la historia.” You just won your second match and I am thrilled for you. Get some rest champ.
RAFA ROCKS 150%