Rafael Nadal overcame a spirited performance from Karen Khachanov to reach the Australian Open fourth round.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion, targeting an outright men’s record 21st Grand Slam title, continued his progress with a 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 win over Russian 28th seed Karen Khachanov in Rod Laver Arena.
After the match, Rafa said:
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.”
On recovering from his foot injury:
For the moment yes, 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 will face either Adrian Mannarino or Aslan Karatsev for a place in the quarterfinals.
Wow what a match rafa congratulations best wishes 👏 ❤ all the best for your next match vamos rafa
Congratulations and well done Rafa!!, great and incredible match against Kachanov 😃👍🏻👏🏻💪🏻🙌🏻. It is always amazing watching you playing, and such a level!!, such a return 💥.
You are MARVELOUS. And feel glad and always no ice to see you happy and that smile. Keep going KING OF CLAY, ‘our Ranging Bull’.
Improving every day, getting confident. You can win anyone.
This is your time again… 🙏🏻😌💚
VAMOSSSSSSSSS ✨🌈🔥🔥
Rafa….Keep it up! I know you can do it! When I watch you play it’s always a pleasure. No nerves because you
have it under control! VAMOS RAFA…
Such an amazing day to witness another superb match of our champion!
Great job don congratulations Rafa this is time to shine vamosssssss champ 🔥👍❤️👏🎾💯
Congrats Rafa and well done. Looking forward to the next round. You are so inspiring…..Go Rafa Go!!!
Soo happy and grateful that Rafa won. Just thankful and grateful for every match our Champ wins and stays fit and healthy!!!
Well done Rafa!!!!
VAMOS!!!
🙏🙏😘😘😘
Congratulations and I really think like you that we are thankful that he is still giving us thrilling moments
Margo, Rafa has always had the reputation of going all out in practice and actually playing more within himself during the match. That being the case I’m not sure what Mac is saying. Has something changed?
Hi David. I just heard the same thing said by the commentators and repeated it here is all:)
It’s great to know that Rafa has an extra gear that he can go to if he needs it. I think the limiting factor is his body. But hopefully it holds up well for the next 10 days!!
I can’t speak for Mac but I was letting her know I saw an article about that.
Yes, we know that Rafa’s practices are full throttle but the article stated that when he plays a competitive match he doesn’t hit the ball with full force because of nervousness. I have never had the pleasure of seeing Rafa live so hearing this perspective about how powerful his shots are surprised me. Even on my iPhone his shots are like thunder; on TV the same thing.
Vamos RAFA! Stay healthy and play attacking tennis.All the Best for AO 2022.
Rafa did a great job! No big deal that he lost the 3rd set because Khachanov had to be more aggressive to stay in it. Delighted to see Rafa pumped and so excited at the win.
Hoping that Karatsev and Mannarino keep going for five long sets.
1st set – 58 mins
2nd set -75 mins
3rd set – 80 mins
4th-still playing
GRILL BROTHER tweeted “Whoever wins this is easy meat in R4.
Glad our Champ figured out what went wrong in the 3rd set.
To borrow words from Sam Groth, may we see a lot of you,, Rafa – through to the end of the tournament.
¡Ojala!
Great job, Rafa👏 Recovered well after dropping the third set and won in style!🤗
Good luck in round four.🍀❤️
HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY but can’t say I wasn’t a little worried after reading articles about how much Khachanov has improved since he and Rafa last met. Rafa just coming from months not competing and this being a SLAM.
And as Mac mentioned, I did see an article about Rafa playing a lot more intensely during practices and attributed his “lighter” touch during matches to nerves. I so hope his confidence increases as he advances toward the finish line.
I was a bit nervous after he lost the third set…but thankfully Rafa got the job done in four.🙏
Good luck to Rafa the rest of the tournament!🍀❤️ Vamos Rafa💪
YOU GO RAFA! Happy to see you fighting like the CHAMP you are.
Karatsev and Mannarino are slogging it out. Whoever faces Rafa will be soooo tired, I hope.
So happy…Rafa gave me so much energy, no need to go to bed.🤭
Hoping for a 5 sets match for Karatsev vs Mannarino.😉
LOL I just commented on them, too.
Yes it’s great. Keep strong Rafa.
Wow vamos Rafa keep it up
Very strong Rafa!