RAFAEL NADAL KING OF TENNIS

2018 US Open R3 Rafael Nadal bt. Karen Khachanov  5/7 7/5 7/6(7) 7/6(3)

Next opponent - Nikoloz Basilashvili

"I am very happy to be through in a very tough situation," said Nadal

"He's improving always," Nadal added, referring to Khachanov. "He's young. He has everything. He's a great player. I really see him winning a lot of matches in his tennis career. He does a lot of good things. He has a great future to come. For me personally, of course, it was a physical, demanding match. It was a mentally demanding match. That's why we practise every day, to play these kind of matches in a great atmosphere in front of an amazing crowd."

"I gave everything what I had," Khachanov said. "I think everybody saw it. I'm proud of myself that I could play a good game today, fight til the end. Just a few points difference that it could go another way.

"Big respect to Rafa. That's why he's No. 1 in the world, such a great fighter. I'm just happy about my performance. I hope to keep going that way."

Photos: Getty Images; EPA; Corbis; TPN; Icon Sportswire; USA TODAY Sports

• Highlights

• Hot Shot

• Post-match interview

• Press conference