Nadal weathers blast from pocket rocket Schwartzman
Top seed Rafa Nadal was rattled by a feisty challenge from Diego Schwartzman but held firm to fend off the diminutive Argentine 6-3 6-7(4) 6-3 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Sunday.
By : migrator
Update: 2018-01-21 12:01 GMT
Melbourne
In an often breathtaking clash boasting some sumptuous shot-making, the Spaniard was stunned by the hard-hitting Schwartzman who broke him three times before claiming the second set at Rod Laver Arena.
But the 16-times grand slam champion responded with typical grit, raising his defensive game to blanket the 24th seed's firepower and claiming the win on the third match point with a rocketed backhand return down the line.
The victory ensured Nadal will retain his world number one ranking and set up a meeting with sixth seed and former US Open champion Marin Cilic for a place in the semi-finals.
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