Fourteen-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal progressed to the fourth round of the US Open on Friday after dispatching Russia's Andrey Kuznetsov in straight sets on Friday. The Spaniard beat the Russian 6-1 6-4 6-2. This is the first time Nadal has reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam, since the 2015 French Open. He will next face Frenchman Lucas Pouille, who produced an upset to get past Nadal's compatriot Roberto Bautista Agut in five sets.

Nadal is coming off a terrible season. He lost in the first round of the Australian Open and also pulled out of the French Open after the second round because of a left wrist injury. He also withdrew from the Wimbledon and missed more than two months on the tour.

Advertisement

But, at the recently held Rio Olympics, Nadal won the gold in the men's doubles event and also finished fourth in the men's singles category. Coming into the US Open, Nadal looks set for a deep run into the tournament. A potential semi-final clash with Novak Djokovic looms but the Nadal seems to have found his feet at the right time in New York and will be optimistic of adding a 15th title to his kitty.

Novak gets another free pass

Fortune seems to favouring World No. 1 Novak Djokovic at the US Open. He received his second walkover after his opponent Mikhail Youzhny pulled out, owing to injury after just six games to allow the Serb a place in the fourth round. Earlier, Djokovic’s second round opponent Jiri Vesely had also withdrawn, citing injury.

Cilic stunned by Jack Sock 

Former US Open champion Marin Cilic was stunned by United States' Jack Sock 6-4 6-3 6-3 in an hour and 41 minutes. Sock was ruthless as Cilic was unable to stage a comeback at any point in the match.

John Isner bows out

There was another heartbreak for the hosts as John Isner bowed out of the US Open after losing to world No. 84 Kyle Edmund of Great Britain. The 20th seeded American lost 4-6 6-3 2-6 6-7 (5) against the 21-year-old Edmund who will now face Djokovic in the next round.

Wozniacki puts in another clinical display

Caroline Wozniacki continued to flourish at Flushing Meadows after she defeated Monica Niculescu of Romania 6-3 6-1 to reach the last 16 at New York. Wozniacki dismantled the Romanian in a clinical display.

Keber continues her sublime form

Second seed German Angelique Kerber demolished her 17-year-old opponent CiCi Bellis 6-1 6-1 to reach the fourth round of the US Open. The American was clueless as she was completely outdone by some remarkable tennis from Kerber in the 55 minutes that she was on court.