World Number One Nadal Reaches Last 16 At US Open

Nadal

World number one Rafael Nadal recuperated from losing a set to defeat Karen Khachanov 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (9/7), 7-6 (7/3) and achieve the US Open fourth round on Friday. 

It was the tenth time the shielding US Open victor achieved the last 16 in New York. 

Somewhere else, third seed Juan Martin del Potro, Nadal's potential semi-last adversary, likewise made the last 16 with a 7-5, 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 prevail upon Fernando Verdasco. 

Top seeded Nadal triumphed over Khachanov following an epic 4 hour 23 minute battle on Arthur Ashe Stadium. 

Nadal will next face Georgia's reality number 37 Nikoloz Basilashvili for a place in the quarter-finals.