Rafael Nadal earned his season-leading 58th victory on Thursday by beating Russian Karen Khachanov 6-3 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals of the China Open.
World number one Rafael Nadal who won the French Open and US Open this year, saved all six break points he faced and increased his lead over Roger Federer at the top of the rankings.Thursday’s win hands him another 45 points, which extends his lead over his Swiss rival to 1,950 points in the year-to-date standings. Federer returns to action at next week’s Shanghai Rolex Masters, where 1,000 points are awarded to the winner.
The 31-year-old broke Khachanov, ranked 42 in the world, in the fourth game and looked in total control thereafter.He will face big-serving American John Isner next, who beat Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer 6-0 6-3.
“Tomorrow will be a tough one against Isner,John is a very good player from the baseline, too. I saw him today. He played so aggressive, having a lot of success, hitting a lot of winners, returning very well” Nadal said.
Nadal had survived two match points in his opening clash against Frenchman Lucas Pouille, and saved all six of the break points he faced against Khachanov.His 21-year-old opponent served seven double faults as Nadal registered his 58th victory of the year.
The Spanish tennis legend will be bidding to win his second China Open title after his first win in the Chinese capital back in 2005, when he beat Guillermo Coria. He also reached the final twice in 2013 and 2015 losing to Novak Djokovic both times.
