Rafael Nadal’s bid for a third US Open crown remains right on track after recording a comprehensive 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 win over Alexandr Dolgopolov in the fourth round on Monday. It was an emphatic performance by Nadal who needed just one hour and 41 minutes to produce the straight-sets victory. With the win, Nadal booked a place in the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows for the seventh time in his career.
Just like in his previous three matches, Nadal’s return was impressive once again in this contest. Nadal won 44 percent of his receiving points against Dolgopolov with the world no. 1 converting six of his 13 break point opportunities. The Spaniard will look to continue that excellent form when he faces the talented Andrey Rublev this coming Wednesday. This will be the first time that these two stars will meet each other in the ATP Tour. Nadal’s banking on his experience, though, to get the job done against Rublev. He already has a whopping 50 victories in his glittering US Open career. Rublev will be Nadal’s fifth consecutive unseeded opponent in this tournament.
The dream lives on for Andrey Rublev. The 19-year-old barged into the quarterfinals of the 2017 US Open with a stunning 7-5, 7-6 (5), 6-3 win over ninth seed David Goffin on Monday. It was a historic victory for Rublev who became the youngest US Open quarterfinalist since 19-year-old Andy Roddick made the last eight in 2001.
Things are bound to get tougher, though, for Rublev as standing in his way in the next round is his idol Rafael Nadal. For Rublev to record a major upset against the world no. 1, he needs to continue his excellent play on the service end. The Russian star won 82 percent of his first serve points in the shock win against Rublev. Rublev also hammered eight aces in that fourth-round encounter against the Belgian. That serve has been instrumental in the sudden ascent of Rublev who’s appearing in just his fifth Grand Slam main draw.
