Nadal schools Khachanov
RAFAEL NADAL eased into the quarterfinals of the China Open on Thursday, defeating Russian youngster Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-3.
The straightforward victory was in contrast to his opener in the Chinese capital when he had to save two match points to survive.
The world No. 1 is bidding for his first Beijing trophy since 2005 as he works to end the year atop the ranking for a fourth time in his career; Khachanov won his first ATP title in China a year ago in Chengdu.
Victory increased Nadal’s lead for most wins in the season, running his total to 58, well ahead of the 49 of Alexander Zverev. His lead over Roger Federer for the year-end number one position now stands at a healthy 1,950 points.
The Spaniard with a joint-leading five titles this season saved all six break points he faced against Khachanov and broke the Russian three times in the 90-minute clash.
Nadal now lines up against sixth seed John Isner, a 6-0, 6-3 winner over Argentine Leonardo Mayer. Nadal has beaten Isner in all six of their previous meetings.
“I’m happy about the match today, I think I played solid,” Nadal said. “Tomorrow will be a tough one against Isner; he’s playing unbelievably well.”
In the women’s draw, unheralded Romanian Sorana Cirstea stunned fourth seed and former No. 1 Karolina Pliskova, 6-1, 7-5 to power ahead to the quarterfinals.
Cirstea will bid for the semifinals at the National Tennis centre against French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko.
Ostapenko advanced with ease as China’s number one Peng Shuai quit with a leg injury after just three games and 15 minutes on court.
Ostapenko will be playing her first career Beijing quarterfinal, as she faces Cristea, whom she beat last month at the US Open.
Third seed Elina Svitolina held off Russian Elena Vesnina 6-2, 7-5. Caroline Garcia won an all-French showdown with Alize Cornet 6-2, 6-1 while Czech Barbora Strycova put out Australian Daria Gavrilova 6-0, 6-4. – dpa