Defending champion Rafael Nadal qualified for the 2019 US Open quarterfinals. Following the victory over former US Open champion Marin Cilic in a four set duel.
Nadal faces Cilic in the fourth round which was hold at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Flushing Meadows, Tuesday morning (03/09/2019). Fight for 2 hours 49 minutes, Nadal won with 6-3, 3-6, 6-1, 6-1.
The Spanish left-handed tennis player packed 38 winners versus 33 winners posted by Cilic, and only made 26 unforced errors. Whereas Cilic made 40 unforced errors.
“For a few moments in the second set, I felt that there were so many points he had won. He urged me, be more aggressive than me and hit the ball very hard,” Nadal said after the match was reported by BBC Sport.
“After the first set, I thought that there was something I needed to change or he would dominate me. I started to return the second service on the pitch and that created a different perspective.”
Furthermore, Nadal will fight a ticket to the semifinals with 20th seeded Argentine Diego Schwartzman. Nadal won all of his seven meetings with Schwartzman.
“He is looking amazing, nothing new. He is one of the best talented players on the tour. This will be a big challenge. I have to play my best game,” added the 33-year-old tennis player.
Nadal is eyeing the 19th Grand Slam title in his career. In 2019, Nadal performed prima in major tournaments with at least a semifinal.
Earlier Rafael Nadal cruised into the fourth round of the 2019 US Open smoothly. Without losing the set, the second seed toppled Hyeon Chung.
Facing Chung at USTA’s Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sunday (1/9/2019) at dawn in the third round of the US Open, Nadal started with a 6-3 victory in the first set. The Spaniard did not release the momentum to win 6-4 and 6-2 in the next set, completing the match in less than two hours.
These results extend his record against Chung. He was undefeated in three meetings, plus he never lost the set of his opponents.
“I am happy to be once again in the fourth round. This field is very unique and special with the energy brought by the audience,” Nadal said after the match as reported by ATPTour.
Chung admitted Nadal was tough, but he was quite happy to be back after a back injury. He only made his comeback last July after missing since February.
“It’s always difficult to face one of the best tennis players in the world. But I’m just trying to give my best. Today is not my day, but I am very happy to be able to play in New York after my injury,” he said.
Nadal will next face Marin Cilic. Cilic escaped after frustrating the host tennis player, John Isner, in a battle of four sets 7-5, 3-6, 7-6, and 6-4.
