Rafael Nadal beats back young lion Karen Khachanov in US Open thriller

• Nadal wins 5-7, 6-5, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (3) to advance to third round
• Serena Williams v Venus Williams: third round – live!

Rafael Nadal had to fight like a junkyard dog in the longest match of the week to shake off the determined challenge of the young Russian prospect, Karen Khachanov, and his chances of retaining the US Open title might need some reassessment.

Looking serene and commanding all the way to the third round, the Spaniard was forced to grind for a flawed 5-7, 6-5, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (3) win on Arthur Ashe Stadium that took him fours and 23 minutes. The latter part of that was played out under the roof when rain arrived to soothe reddened brows across a venue that has been slowly sizzling since day one.

Continue reading...

from US news | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2wz7Sig