Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
US OPEN NIFTY FIFTY FOR NADAL
Rafa’s simply the best claims Mac
JOHN MCENROE claimed Rafa Nadal looked like the best player in the world after his 50th win at the US Open put him into the quarter-finals.
The world No.1 had suffered a slow start to the final Major of the season but simply destroyed the controversial Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-2 6-4 6-1.
It is the first time Nadal has reached the last eight in New York since winning the title here in 2013.
He will next face Russian teenager Andrey Rublev with the chance to reach the semifinals without facing a player in the top 50.
And four-time champion Mcenroe, now a Eurosport commentator, said: “He has got to feel great about this. He played like the No.1 seed.
“There have been times he has struggled here – probably more than any other Major.
“You won’t be able to tell by what he says or how he acts but he has got to be awfully happy at what transpired here today.”
Dolgopolov swore in a press conference and then refused to answer matchfixing allegations surrounding his match in North Carolina two weeks ago.
The world No.64 hit more winners – 25 to 23 – but also 39 unforced errors and was unable to match Nadal’s focus and intensity.
“I think I played a solid match,” said Nadal. “I did not make many mistakes.
“Dolgopolov is a player who can play amazing shots but sometimes he is a bit unpredictable. I am in the quarter-finals here in New York and that is a positive result for me.”
The Spaniard will next face world No.53 Rublev, who beat injured David Goffin 7-5 7-6 6-3 to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final.
“Of course I am really happy,” said the 19-year-old. “I have never played Rafa but I have practised with him a couple of times.”