World No. 5 Rafael Nadal continues his Australian Open campaign on Friday as he takes on Russian 28th seed Karen Khachanov in the third round. The two have played each other seven times before this, with Rafa leading 7-0 in the head-to-head.
Date: January 21, 2022
Match time: Rafa is second night match on Rod Laver. Around 9 PM AEDT local time / 5 AM EST – New York, Montreal / 10 AM GMT – United Kingdom / 11 AM CET – Spain, France, Germany, Italy. To convert to your local time, use this website.
Rafa on playing Karen:
Playing against Khachanov now, probably Khachanov … always is a big challenge against Karen [and] in my situation today, going to be even more. I never think that far, you can imagine now less than ever, no?
The Russian has played quite well so far in 2022, reaching the finals and quarterfinals of the two warm-up events prior to the season’s first Grand Slam.
Rafa, who won the Australian Open title in 2009 and advanced to the quarter-finals in 2020 and 2021, is attempting to become just the second man behind Novak Djokovic to win all four majors at least twice.
GOOD LUCK & VAMOS RAFA!
YYAAAAAAAA
Good morning, Margo!
Nice going champ! 2 breaks in the 4th set and serving for the match. Do it with no drama Rafa!
Oh, and it’s great to see Rafa punching invisible aggressors:):) What a beautiful sight!
MATCH POINT!!
He did Mac… Vamos champ
Next round no drama please Rafa
Looking great for you For 21st
2 obstacles in my opinion Sacha and Medvedev but he will solve
Oh Rafa… just after I tell you we don’t want no drama, you get your serve broken?
How about you break back, stop the slide and win this match as soon as possible?
Stay sharp champ!
Wow Great level showing.Brilliant so far…win the 3rd one too in that fashion
Win in four sets, Rafa!🙏💪
First n last time broken..he will win in 4 mimi
Sounds good. Love Rafa’s celebration after that break.🤩
Vamos💪💪💪
Two breaks are sweeter!😁
More of the same in the third set Rafa!
The commentators say Rafa is even more intense in his practices… YIKES!
Keep up that intensity champ, and bring this match to a close without any drama:)
First set in the bag. I watched Osaka match, and Anisimova was brilliant!
Eyes on the prize Rafa!
I have no doubt that Rafa will come through with flying colours against Khachanov. Vamos! Vamos!
Rafa is leading Khachanov 7-0 in the head to head. I have no doubt he will come through with flying colours. VAMOS RAFA!!
VAMOS RAFA focus focus focus on all your decisions on court ! Best of luck 🤞
Best of luck in round 3. Your team is doing a great job!
Rafa Buena Suerte y Karen Khachanov tomorrow..make it 8 from 8. You will do it my Hero.
Best of luck Rafa and stay focused. Looking forward to seeing you in the finals.
All the very best for your match vamos rafa xx
Wishing you the best of luck Rafa, Vamos x
It’s good that Rafa will be playing a night match against Khachanov as there won’t be the intense heat to sap his energy.
Yes and No. Night conditions won’t help his topspin. Don’t forget he has had difficulty hitting through the court against thiem for example when the ball played slower. If anything he needs to hit more flat and his backhand will be key. Anyway, I hope he is on guard.
That’s true z1az. Rafa likes the sunshine and hot conditions which make the balls bounce higher. I was just thinking about how the heat and humidity would affect his energy level as he’s older now. Either way, Rafa is a great problem solver and he’ll adjust his game accordingly.
Good luck for your next match Rafa!!. We know from now on(and in this case is gonna be a bit tough). But you can do it Rafa, you are playing different, you have your weapons, VAMOS RAFA! 💪🏻💪🏻 adelante siempre contigo 💥🌊✨🌈🔥.
You creature of light, Fire, your shine 💚.
Step by step…your way, your path 😉
Rafa good luck you got this is your time the sine vamosssssss champ we are with you all the way 👍💪❤️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🎾
Good luck Rafa!
All good wishes to Rafa who is now ranked No 5 . What a great achievement as he hadn’t really played since RG. 🇪🇸⭐️☘️
Good luck and Vamos Rafa.
I think Rafa vs Khachanov is scheduled for night session, 2nd match after Ash Barty vs C. Giorgi.
You can do it Rafa! Vamos!!!!!