Aug 31, 2019; Flushing, NY, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain serves against Hyeon Chung of Korea (not pictured) in the third round on day six of the 2019 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Rafael Nadal cruised into the U.S. Open fourth round with a business-like 6-3 6-4 6-2 win over Chung Hyeon on Saturday.
The three-times champion took control of the match when he broke the South Korean's serve in the first set to grab a 4-2 lead and never looked back on a sunsoaked Arthur Ashe Stadium court.
Aug 31, 2019; Flushing, NY, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain serves against Hyeon Chung of Korea (not pictured) in the third round on day six of the 2019 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Next up for Nadal is a last 16-clash with 2014 champion Marin Cilic, who came out on top in his slugfest with John Isner on the Grandstand court.
Nadal had been on court for just over two hours prior to his third round match after defeating John Millman in straight sets on Tuesday before getting a walkover into the third round when Thanasi Kokkinakis withdrew.
The second seeded Spaniard, who has been hampered by troublesome knees throughout his career, did not wear his usual tape on his legs during the match.
Aug 31, 2019; Flushing, NY, USA; Hyeon Chung of Korea serves against Rafael Nadal of Spain (not pictured) in the third round on day six of the 2019 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
"Tape is not working anymore," he said with a smile during his on-court interview.
"I am happy to be playing on hardcourts and I am trying to play a little more aggressive.
Nadal will have his work cut out when he meets big-serving Cilic on Monday, who defeated Isner 7-5 3-6 7-6(6) 6-4.
Aug 31, 2019; Flushing, NY, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a forehand against Hyeon Chung of Korea (not pictured) in the third round on day six of the 2019 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nadal said the key was to toppling an opponent like Cilic was holding serve and making the most of his opportunities when receiving.
"Chances are not a lot, so you need to be ready to expect a very tough one," he told reporters.
"I need to be focused with my serve, as always. I need to be ready to accept the challenge that brings the competition in days like these ones.
Aug 31, 2019; Flushing, NY, USA;
Hyeon Chung of Korea hits to Rafael Nadal of Spain in the third round on day six of the 2019 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
"And I hope to be ready to play my highest level, because that's what I am going to need."
Aug 31, 2019; Flushing, NY, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain hits to Hyeon Chung of Korea in the third round on day six of the 2019 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
(Reporting by Rory Carroll, editing by Pritha Sarkar and Toby Davis)
Aug 31, 2019; Flushing, NY, USA;
Hyeon Chung of Korea hits to Rafael Nadal of Spain in the third round on day six of the 2019 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY SportsAug 31, 2019; Flushing, NY, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a forehand against Hyeon Chung of Korea (not pictured) in the third round on day six of the 2019 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY SportsAug 31, 2019; Flushing, NY, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain (right) greets Hyeon Chung of Korea after the third round on day six of the 2019 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY SportsAug 31, 2019; Flushing, NY, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain after beating Hyeon Chung of Korea in the third round on day six of the 2019 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
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