Australian Open: Rafael Nadal after a short slump in the round of 16
Rafael Nadal has reached the round of 16 of the Australian Open 2022 with a 6: 3, 6: 2, 3: 6 and 6: 1 against Karen Khachanov. There the Spaniard meets either Aslan Karatsev or Adrian Mannarino.
by Jens Huiber
last edit: Jan 21, 2022, 02:19 pm
Rafael Nadal has taken another step towards a possible second championship at the Australian Open. The 2009 winner defeated Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 in the final match of the day at Rod Laver Arena. In the round of 16, Nadal will face the winner of the match between Aslan Karatsev and Adrian Mannarino. After that, Alexander Zverev could wait for the Spaniard.
Nadal seemed to have the match completely under control, then allowed himself a small phase of weakness in the third set. Which Khachanov knew how to use and Nadal took the first set of the tournament. The favorite turned the rudder again immediately, leaving Khachanov no chance in the fourth round.
Here is the men's individual tableau
laver arena