Rafael Nadal has vowed to take nothing for granted in his upcoming quarter-final match at the US Open against Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman.
The second seed progressed to the last eight of the tournament after seeing of a spirited effort from Marin Cilic to prevail 6-3, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2. The night-time encounter saw Nadal post some impressive statistics behind his serve as he hit more aces than his opponent (11-10) and claimed 83% of his first service points. Furthermore,the Spaniard also converted six out of his 11 break point opportunities and produced 38 winners.
“I’m serving well. I think my serve improved during the last couple of years. Especially this year a little bit more.” Said Nadal.
“I’m happy with the way that I am serving the first serve, but especially the second serve. I increased the speed on that second serve. That helps a lot to be more aggressive with the first.’
“I always thought that I needed to improve my serve to try to have a longer career. That’s something that we have been working hard.”
Two points before the end of the match, Nadal electrified the crowd with a sublime passing shot. A cross-court backhand shot from Cilic forced the Spaniard to go wide, but he still managed to keep the ball in play by hitting it around the net.
The next test for the Spaniard will be 27-year-old Schwartzman. A player who he has defeated in all seven on their previous meetings on the tour. Schwartzman knocked out sixth seed Alexander Zverev in four sets during his fourth round match.
On paper, the upcoming clash points to a one-sided victory for the world No.2. However, Nadal believes he will not be the outright favourite.
“He is one of the most talented players on our tour. He has everything, amazing control, amazing speed. He has the ability to read very well your shots and to understand very well the game.” Nadal said of the Argentine.
“I saw him play a couple of matches during this tournament, he was playing great”
“I need to play my best in the next round to have the chance to be in the semifinals. But the match of today (Monday) I think helps.” He added.
Meanwhile, Schwartzman is maintaining an optimistic outlook about his chances. He is yet to defeat a top five player in his career. Against Nadal, he has only managed to win two out of the 19 sets they have played.
“I need to study my games against him. I have many good games, very good matches against him. I had my chances against him many matches, but I wasn’t able to win my opportunities against him.” Said Schwartzman.
“You never know the next opportunities are going to come. Maybe it’s the next match against him. I need to be ready.”
Nadal is bidding to reach the semifinals of the US Open the third year in a row and eighth time in his career overall.
