Rafael Nadal wins epic struggle to reach last 16

NEW YORK: World number one and defending champion Rafael Nadal came back from a set and break down to defeat big-hitting Karen Khachanov 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (9/7), 7-6 (7/3) and reach the US Open fourth round.

The top seeded Spaniard triumphed after an epic 4 hour 23 minute struggle on Arthur Ashe Stadium in a match where the 22-year-old Khachanov had served for a two sets to

love lead in the 10th game of the second set and had a set point in the fourth-set tiebreaker.

Nadal, seeking a fourth US Open title and 18th major, will face Georgia’s world number 37 Nikoloz Basilashvili for a place in the quarter-finals.

Basilashvili reached the

last-16 of a Slam for the first time by seeing off Argentina’s Guido Pella 6-3, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7/4).

“Karen played well. He’s improving always. He’s young. He has everything. I really see him winning a lot of matches in his career,” said Nadal who has now reached the fourth round in New York for the 10th time.

“For me personally, it was a physical, demanding match. It was mentally demanding.”

Khachanov, 22 and bidding to make the last 16 of a Slam for the third time this year, took the opener while Nadal, who converted just one of five break points in the set, needed strapping to support his right knee in the changeover.

“I am going to be at 100% for the next match,” explained Nadal. The top seed was quickly down 3-1 in the second set before battling back to 4-4.

Khachanov cracked when serving for a two sets lead in the 10th game. Nadal took advantage with a love service hold and a break to level the contest just moments after the roof was closed.