Australian Open 2022 - Rafael Nadal shows class to edge past Karen Khachanov into last-16

Rafael Nadal continued his impressive comeback from injury with a remarkable performance to see off Karen Khachanov in the third round of the Australian Open. The 20-time Grand Slam champion was in sublime form for all but one set, coming through 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 to move into the last-16. Ad/> Nadal went into the match off the back of a virtually flawless start, having come through straight set wins over Marcos Giron and Yannick Hanfmann, and he continued that form from the beginning of his match against the Russian.

/> Australian OpenNadal on injury nightmare: I had doubts ‘every single day’23 MINUTES AGO The sixth seed, who is showing little sign of having been out injured for so long, raced to a 3-0 lead, breaking Khachanov in the second game to 15. Nadal’s serving was impeccable and offered no way back in the set, eventually taking it 6-3. Australian Open 2022: How to watch, schedule, start times and live stream details 'Impressive' Alcaraz falls to Berrettini in five-set thriller If that was impressive, the second set was more so.

An opening game which lasted almost 13 minutes was finally secured by Nadal on the Khachanov serve and he quickly consolidated that by holding his own. There was a glimmer of hope for the 28th seed in the fourth game when he brought up a break back point, but his illustrious opponent quickly saw that off. /> Nadal took full advantage, breaking again to go 5-1 up before securing a two-set lead, taking the second 6-2.