Rafael Nadal was emotional on court after seeing off Russian Khachanov, who had forced his way back into the match by taking the third set.
It is a very special week for me, every time I am able to play here is a very special thing. I played against a great player and a good friend on tour, it has been my best match since I came back. I have been going through some very tough times the last year and a half but for me nights like today mean everything, that is a lot of energy in my pocket to keep going. I am super happy, thank you very much everybody.
Rafa Nadal
Well done Rafa! I wish you well and all the best for the rest of the open. You can do it!
Love the 1st 2 sets and the 4th set . Taking the return early by standing closer to the baseline is the recipe for a title here . The commentators reinforced the improved play over and over and how well Rafa played by playing offensive on 1st service returns works to Rafa’s advantage no matter that Khachonov ws serving at 130mph.
Glad that Katsenov lost as he would have posed a large challenge .
Awesome Rafa. I wish Rafa 2022 AO champion and 21st GS. Let he attend most to serves and winners to make a perfect game next 4 rounds.
Congrats Rafa👏 Happy Rafa – Happy fans!!☺️
Keep improving day by day and please stay healthy!
Congratulations Rafa. I wish you the best of everything. Stay confident and healthy. God bless you.
Love, Mary Lynn
Rafa well don you play amazing keep up this is your 2022 year to win 👍💪🎾❤️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥👏🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💯good luck next much 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I’m hoping Denis might put in an amazing performance and beat Sascha … but then he’s beaten Rafa before, as well!
Rafa should win this title and the 21st GS.
He has to beat Zverev and Medvedev and let us all pray that he remains hale, healthy and hearty and successful.
Keep it up Rafa and go for it👍👍
So pumped and energized-congrats on the win. Continued success👏👍🤛💪🍀🎾❤️
Rafa is one step closer to getting his 21st GS. Fingers cross that he wins this. He’s way long overdue for the win here at the Australian Open.
VAMOS RAFA.