Rafael Nadal: 'If Nick Kyrgios beats Karen Khachanov, I will be ready to..'

Ever since the draw came out, the fans from all over the world have been waiting for the Australian Open fourth-round clash between world no. 1 Rafael Nadal and Nick Kyrgios. As we all know, the Aussie is not the greatest fan of Nadal's game, accusing him constantly that he takes too much time between the points and mentioning the Spaniard often during his matches. In his third-round meeting with Gilles Simon, Nick got a warning from the chair umpire and Nadal was on his agenda again, mocking the 19-time Major champion and his serve motion. Besides that, Kyrgios has played on a high level so far in the first two matches, serving well and staying focused in the exchanges to set the third-round clash with Karen Khachanov.

On the other hand, Nadal is already through to the fourth round, reaching the last 16 in Melbourne for the 13th time following a one-sided 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 triumph over Pablo Carreno Busta in less than 100 minutes. Nadal spoke nicely about both Kyrgios and Khachanov, saying he will watch the match between two of the greatest players in the world and prepare for the next clash, whoever goes through. Nadal and Kyrgios played seven times in the past and the Spaniard grabbed four wins, the most recent one at Wimbledon last year after a great fight.

"Both Nick Kyrgios and Karen Khachanov are great players; Nick always enjoys playing here at home and Karen is a player with great potential. I will watch them, enjoying what should be a thrilling tennis encounter between two of the finest players in the world; let's see what will happen. If Nick Kyrgios wins, I hope to be ready for that clash."

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/38EqezP