Rafael Nadal has recorded a straight-sets victory over Alexandr Dolgopolov to reach the quarter-finals of the US Open.
The two-time US Open champion continued his good form at Flushing Meadows with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 triumph over the Ukrainian player. It was Rafa’s 50th victory in New York.
After the match, Rafa said:
I think I played a solid match. I know he is a player who can play amazing shots but sometimes a little bit unpredictable. He combined amazing points with mistakes so I tried to be focused with myself.
He was returning with a slice forehand I felt that, if I hit the forehand down the line, he has less space to attack.
Carlos Moya, it is great to have him on the team. He’s more than a coach. He’s one of the best friends I ever had on the tour.
I think he came with a lot of motivation and ideas and very positive all the time and believing a lot in what we’re doing. A combination of him, Toni and Francis has been great. (via BBC)
Rafa, top-seed in New York, had not lost to Dolgopolov since 2015, and he had little trouble in moving closer to the last eight as he recorded two breaks of serve during the opening set. In the ninth game of the second set they played a brutal rally after which Rafa broke and won the set. The final set was a routine for our champ.
He will next face the winner of the match between David Goffin and Andrey Rublev.
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their Round 4, US Open 2017, Men’s Singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017, in New York. / AFP PHOTO / Jewel SAMAD
Rafael Nadal of Spain prepares to serve to Alexandr Dolgopolov of the Ukraine during their Round 4, US Open 2017, Men’s Singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017, in New York. / AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY
Rafael Nadal of Spain wipes his face while playing Alexandr Dolgopolov of the Ukraine during their Round 4, US Open 2017, Women’s Singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017, in New York. / AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball to Alexandr Dolgopolov of the Ukraine during their Round 4, US Open 2017, Women’s Singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017, in New York. / AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball to Alexandr Dolgopolov of the Ukraine during their Round 4, US Open 2017, Women’s Singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017, in New York. / AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves to Alexandr Dolgopolov of the Ukraine during their Round 4, US Open 2017, Men’s Singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017, in New York. / AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves to Alexandr Dolgopolov of the Ukraine during their Round 4, US Open 2017, Men’s Singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017, in New York. / AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain chases a ball while playing against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their Round 4, US Open 2017, Men’s Singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017, in New York. / AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY
Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov during their 2017 US Open Men’s Singles Round 4 match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 4, 2017 / AFP PHOTO / Jewel SAMAD
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates defeating Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine after their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal prepares to serve the ball to Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov during their 2017 US Open Men’s Singles Round 4 match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 4, 2017 / AFP PHOTO / Jewel SAMAD
Spain’s Rafael Nadal serves the ball to Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov during their 2017 US Open Men’s Singles Round 4 match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 4, 2017 / AFP PHOTO / Jewel SAMAD
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates defeating Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates his victory over Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their Round 4, US Open 2017, Men’s Singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017, in New York..Nadal advanced to the US Open quarterfinals, winning 6-2, 6-4, 6-1. / AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates his victory over Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their Round 4, US Open 2017, Men’s Singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017, in New York..Nadal advanced to the US Open quarterfinals, winning 6-2, 6-4, 6-1. / AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY
DelPo just fought back from two sets down to oust Dominic Thiem.
It was in 2009 that 20-year-old JMDP beat Fed to win the US Open title.
RAFA ROCKS THE US OPEN
What a joy to see Rafa hitting with confidence after his struggles at the start of his previous matches . I was worried about Dolgopolov as I considered him the toughest competitor Rafa has had so far. Young Rublev will be no pushover but I think that now Rafa has had this good straight sets win his confidence is restored and a confident Rafa is a Rafa who goes for his strokes and does not let nerves get in the way.
I liked the tribute he gave to Moya in his interview but in typical manner he included Toni and Francis also.
Let’s hope for fine weather for his next match. No closed roof, please.!!
The best match at the tournament so far .Rafa you play very well Vamosssssssssssssssssssssss 2017 is yours.good luck next Mach .🎾🎾🎾🎾👍👍👍👍🇺🇸❤️🏆
AWESOME RAFA HEADLINES
“”Rafael Nadal rediscovers ruthless streak to end four-year US Open wait with Alexandr Dolgopolov win” [METRO]
“No. 1 Nadal crushes Dolgopolov, returns to US Open quarters” [Brian Mahoney]
“Rafael Nadal pays tribute to coach Carlos Moyá after Alexandr Dolgopolov win” [James Gray]
RAFA: “As a coach, he came with a lot of motivation, with good ideas and he’s very, very positive all of the time and working a lot on what we’re doing.” [George Bellshaw]
“Impressive Rafael Nadal breezes past Alexandr Dolgopolov to complete his 50th-match victory at the US Open” [Paul Newman]
This is the first time since 2013 that Rafa has reached the US Open QF’s.
RAFA ROCKS THE US OPEN
Well done Rafa, great to see him getting through in three relatively easy sets. Confidence builder and wishing him another great victory on Wednesday. I will be in Ashe to cheer him. Vamos Rafa.
This was the Rafa that we know and love. I was surprised to see that Rublev is also still playing doubles with Khachanov. Rafa is Rublev’s idol along with Safin. I would not mind if the 19 year old is not also a little tired.
Bien jugado!!!! Rafa….sigue adelante..!!!!
Congratulations Rafa. You always amaze me with your effort and hard work you put into every match. Love you for long time. Keep going RAFA. Your 70 year old fan in love.
What a joy this match was.
Pls. repeat the same against Rublev, another hyped kid, to be careful against much like Shapo….
3 more matches left to bite the USO 2017 cup
WAMOS WAMOS WAMOS
CONGRATZ Rafa on your entry into the quarterfinals. Thrilled for you.
Dolgo said he had a plan for you but I’m sure it wasn’t this: your best and shortest match so far.🤗
RAFA ROCKED ARTHUR ASHE STADIUM
good match today rafa. Much better then against mayer and daniel. You serve was good and also your forehand. Your return improved but your courtposition is still a point of concern.
You should listen to uncle toni and move closer to the baseline. Next against roeblev tough opponent. Dont underestimate him he beat wawrinka at wimbeldon and the fact that he is in the quarterfinal means he has confidence and can play.
Congratulations sweetheart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) That was one classy exciting match!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 🙂 LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) GO RAFA GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) We love you & very happy for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) Enjoy everything & have a great day and a beautiful tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) Lots of love & happiness sweetheart & also to you & your family & THE TEAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 🙂 : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : )
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!
Bravo Bravo Bravo!
Hurrah!
Hip hip hooray!
Straight sets 🙂 He improves and gains confidence throughput the match <3
Good job! That’s just what we wanted to see – Rafa winning in quick time to conserve energy. After his match against Daniel, Rafa promised to work hard to improve his game and he delivered today!
WTG Rafa great to see the forehand working so well pure joy to watch
What a pleasure to watch. You made my day. Thank you.
Ninety minutes of pure joy . Thank you Rafa, a fantastic day’s work
March on Rafa, Vamos!
The best match of the tournament so far. Very happy for Rafa. Take rest, enjoy the rest of the day and than all the best for next round. Time for #3 in New York, no?😉 Vamos Rafa!!!