ATP Australian Open: Rafael Nadal takes opening set vs. Nick Kyrgios

In one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament so far, world no. 1 and 2009 champion Rafael Nadal leads against Nick Kyrgios 6-3 following the opening set of their fourth-round clash at Rod Laver Arena. Battling against each other for the eighth time, Nadal is the better player on the court so far, serving well and seizing the opportunity to grab that one break in the fourth game that carried him over the finish line in the first part of the encounter. Hitting 14 winners and six unforced errors, Nadal is doing everything right at the moments and Nick will have to step in and improve his game if he wants to challenge a great rival in the upcoming sets.

Facing a deuce in the very first game, Nadal held with a forehand winner and a forced error from Kyrgios, avoiding an early setback and putting his name on the scoreboard. Nick landed an ace down the T line to level the score at 1-1 before Rafa held at love with a forehand winner to open a 2-1 gap, looking sharp and clean so far. Forging a 40-15 advantage in the fourth game, Kyrgios looked safe to level the score at 2-2 before the problems started, spraying errors and getting broken after a loose backhand that sent Rafa 3-1 in front.

Mixing his shots nicely, the Spaniard held at 30 with a service winner to cement the break and move further ahead before the Aussie reduced the deficit to 4-2, staying within one break deficit. With a great rhythm on serve, Rafa held at love with a powerful serve in the seventh game and served for the set at 5-3 following an excellent hold from Kyrgios as well. Landing one right serve after another, Nadal delivered another hold at love to clinch the opener 6-3 in 36 minutes, standing strong and determined to topple a dangerous rival as soon as possible. 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2t0AkMl