Rafael Nadal moves ahead of Andre Agassi on exclusive Grand Slam feat

The 19-time Major champion Rafael Nadal earned the most significant part of his success on the big scene at Roland Garros, lifting 12 trophies in Paris in the last 15 years for unprecedented supremacy on the slowest surface. Still, the Spaniard grabbed five Major titles on hard court as well, standing among the most successful players on cement court despite all the injuries and setbacks over the years. Rafa has won respectable 64 matches at both the Australian Open and the US Open, wrapping up the previous decade as the most decorated competitor in New York and suffering plenty of losses in Melbourne finals following that 2009 title. Traveling to Australia with 61 wins under his belt, Rafa claimed three victories at Melbourne Park to advance into the last 16 for the 13th time and achieving another milestone after becoming the third-best player at hard-court Majors with 128 wins, leaving Andre Agassi on 127.

Roger Federer is miles in front with 189 triumphs, delivering the most recent one on Friday night against John Millman, standing 46 ahead of Novak Djokovic who is second with 143 victories on his tally. Nadal's 128th win came on Saturday against Pablo Carreno Busta, beating the fellow Spaniard 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in an hour and 38 minutes for his best performance in Melbourne this year. With 42 winners and seven unforced errors, Nadal had the upper hand from start to finish, finding his forehand and delivering great numbers on the return as well to seal the deal in style and move into the last 16. Nadal will face Nick Kyrgios in the fourth round, facing the home star in what should be the first real test for world no. 1 who has 1200 points to defend from the last year when he lost to Novak Djokovic in the title match.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/30RKjA7