World number two Rafael Nadal did not encounter major obstacles on his way to the US Open 2013 fourth round after a comprehensive three-set dismissal of Ivan Dodig of Croatia 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 on Saturday. The Spaniard will next face Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany in the fourth round slated on Monday.
“I think I played a correct match today,” Nadal said. “To be able to win against him in straight sets is great news. I played better today than in the previous matches. Always a positive thing. Every win means a lot. I’m happy with the way that I am playing, and trying to be ready for the next [match].
“[My serve] is working, but I am not serving at 130 miles per hour every time. So it’s working because I am playing well from the baseline. It’s working because I am serving with the right percentage. It’s working for the first three matches. We’ll see if I am able to keep working.”
Nadal won the US Open for the first and only time so far in 2010. It was then that he completed a Career Golden Slam.
Nadal remains unbeated at the hardcourt matches this season. He’s won three ATP Masters hardcourt events in Indian Wells, Montreal and Cincinnati. He could potentially meet rival Roger Federer in the quarterfinals. Both players, despite their 31 total matches played, have never faced each other in New York.
