TENNIS US OPEN:DEFENDING CHAMPION Rafael Nadal survived a stern examination from David Nalbandian to reach the fourth round of the US Open with a 7-6 (7/5), 6-1, 7-5 victory on Arthur Ashe Stadium yesterday.
There were doubts over the form and fitness of the world number two coming into the tournament, but he delivered an impressive display against a dangerous opponent.
It could have been different had Nalbandian won the first set, and he went close to doing just that.
An uncharacteristic double fault from Nadal on break point in the fifth game gave the Argentinian the lead and he looked favourite to take the set as he tested the world number two in his next two service games.
But, serving for the set, Nalbandian faltered, with some great play from his opponent setting up break point, which the former Wimbledon finalist donated with a huge double fault. He held on to force a tie-break that was as tight as the preceding 12 games had been, but Nadal upped the ante when he needed to to secure a mini-break at 5-5 and finished off the set with a big serve and trademark forehand down the line.
It was a high-quality set of tennis from both men, with Nadal making only four unforced errors, and the effort seemed to take its toll on Nalbandian as he promptly lost the next four games and, in 27 minutes, the second set.
He found his range again at the start of the third, breaking the Nadal serve immediately, but the Spaniard wasted no time in getting back on level terms and then took an injury time-out to receive treatment for blisters on his right foot.
It did not seem to affect the 25-year-old’s movement and he broke again for 4-2 but, serving for the match, he again threw in a double fault on break point, Nalbandian successfully challenging a line call to get back to 5-4 down.
He then had another break point to take a fourth game in a row but could not take it and Nadal brought up three match points on his opponent’s serve, taking the third when Nalbandian double-faulted for a seventh time.
It was a great effort from the Argentinian, who is good friends with Nadal, but 60 unforced errors in comparison to 18 from the champion proved the difference.
“It was a tough day,” Nadal said in an on-court interview. “He’s a great player, a fantastic player. He’s a close friend, so all the best for him in the future.
“I think I played my best match of the tournament, so I’m happy for that,” said Nadal. “Every day is tougher and tougher.”
Next up will be Gilles Muller of Luxembourg, a straight sets victor over Russian Igor Kunitsyn.
After knocking out Maria Sharapova in round three, Flavia Pennetta survived another dramatic encounter with 13th seed Peng Shuai to reach the quarter-finals of the US Open for the third time in four years.
The Italian looked on course for victory at a set and 6-5 up but, serving for the match the heat seemed to get to her and, after almost vomiting on court, she missed match point and was broken back. Pennetta, the 26th seed, looked spent and Peng moved to a 5-0 and then 6-2 lead in the tie-break.
But, after creating such a golden opportunity, Peng could not take it, although her opponent benefited from a huge slice of luck with a mis-hit forehand winner on the fourth set point.
Pennetta pulled off five points in a row and clinched victory when Peng missed an easy volley.
