Nadal defeats Italy's Sonego, secures place in fourth round at Wimbledon

LONDON: Spanish stalwart Rafael Nadal wasted little time in securing his place in the Wimbledon fourth round by racing past Italian Lorenzo Sonego 6-1, 6-2, 6-4, demonstrating superb touches at the net to advance after two hours and four minutes.

"It was probably my best match without a doubt here at The Championships against the most difficult player I have faced yet," Nadal was quoted as saying by atptour.com. "I was able to raise my level, so I am super happy for that. I wish Lorenzo all the very best for the rest of the season," added Nadal, who is aiming for his third singles title at Wimbledon and a record-extending 23rd major.

The 36-year-old Nadal's display was a contrast to his first two matches at Wimbledon, where he struggled to find his best level in four-set victories against Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina and Ricardas Berankis of Lithuania. However, against Sonego, the world No. 4 showed his title rivals that he means business in his quest for a 23rd Grand Slam title.

"I made I think a lot of things much better than the previous days: the determination, the way that I managed to play more aggressive, going to the net plenty of times. "(I am) happy. It's (a) good victory against a great player. Very happy for that."

Nadal arrived in London having won the Australian and French Open this year and the 36-year-old will next play Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in a rematch of their recent Roland Garros clash as he looks to continue his unbeaten 2022 Slam record.

Sonego was aiming to reach the last 16 at Wimbledon for the second time, having enjoyed a run to that stage in 2021.

Australia's Nick Kyrgios advanced to the fourth roundfor the first time since 2016 with a gritty 6-7(2), 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(7) victory against fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece.

Kyrgios, who will next play American Brandon Nakashima, claimed his first win at a major against a top-10 opponent since the third round at Wimbledon in 2015. The 27-year-old will try to reach his third major quarterfinal and his first since the 2015 Australian Open. IANS

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