Wimbledon: Rafael Nadal on course for semi-final clash with Nick Kyrgios
- Nadal produced some of his best tennis to advance in straight sets against a seeded opponent, fending off a late comeback
- Kyrgios emerged a changed man just two days after his stormy third-round victory against Greek fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas
Rafael Nadal swept into the Wimbledon quarter-finals on Monday, staying on course for a crunch meeting with Nick Kyrgios, who was on his best behaviour in a battling five-set win.
In the women’s competition, 2019 champion Simona Halep demolished Spanish fourth seed Paula Badosa in just 60 minutes to set up a meeting with Amanda Anisimova.
Nadal, chasing a rare calendar grand slam, started his campaign at the All England Club slowly but is now in the groove as he hunts a third Wimbledon crown.
He showed no mercy to Dutch 21st seed Botic van de Zandschulp in their evening clash on Centre Court, overcoming a late wobble to seal a 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 (8/6) win.
“I think I continued in a positive way until the end where I played a bad game,” said the Spanish second seed.
“In a personal way, for me to be able to be in quarter-finals after three years (away from Wimbledon) it’s amazing for me so very, very happy.”
Nadal broke his opponent five times in the match, capitalising on his fourth match point to reach the Wimbledon quarters for the eighth time.