The Spanish Rafael Nadal (6) beat Frenchman Adrian Mannarino in the left-handed duel in the round of 16 of the Australian Open 7-6(12), 6-2, 6-2, after winning an exciting first set that lasted one hour and 21 minutes.
“The first set was very exciting and I was lucky at the end. He has had many opportunities too & rdquor ;, commented the Spaniard after certifying his pass to the quarterfinals in a match that lasted two hours and 40 minutes.
His next rival will be known after the conclusion of the duel against the german alexander zverev (3) and Canadian Denis Shapovalov (14) at the Margaret Court Arena track.
The duel of lefties gave rise to a fast-paced first set after both the Frenchman and the Spaniard shielded their services until a tiebreaker game that was decided by a thrilling 14-12 in favor of the 20-major champion.
Mannarino’s proposal, which stole time from his rival with early flat impacts, took a Nadal to the limit who had to bring out his repertoire of spectacular shots that put Rod Laver Arena on its feet excited for a round of 16 with a taste of the final.
Nadal closed a first sleeve that lasted an hour and 21 minutes on his seventh match point, while the Frenchman wasted four opportunities to score the first round.
Mannarino’s brilliance faded as a result of wear and tear as well as the high temperature and Nadal, who maintained his intensity and concentration, He comfortably took a second set 6-2 in which he touched 90% of the points with first services.
Mannarino, who played for the first time in a round of 16 on the banks of the Yarra, exchanged a few words with one of the tournament doctors for some problems related to the left groin.
It was a mirage the break of the Frenchman to equal one what would be the last set after Nadal’s forcefulness will end the limited plan of an exhausted Mannarino.
The sixth-ranked player in the world closed the match with 15 aces, 39 winners and 21 unforced errors.
After the victory, Nadal equaled local John Newcombe with fourteen appearances in the Australian Open quarterfinals in a classification led by the Swiss Roger Federer with 15.
The Manacorí agreed in 45 chances to the quarterfinals of the 63 participations in Grand Slam since turning pro in 2001.