Nadal, Federer move closer to US Open showdown

NEW YORK - Agence France-Presse

Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Ivan Dodig of Croatia during their 2013 US Open men’s singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National. AFP photo

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer cruised into the fourth round of the US Open on Saturday, taking a crucial step toward a possible first-ever Grand Slam matchup on the Flushing Meadows hardcourts.

And the last-16 roadblocks to their potential quarter-final showdown at Arthur Ashe Stadium are a combined 1-19 in their respective personal matchups against the superstar duo.

Spanish second seed Nadal, a 12-time Grand Slam champion, stretched his career-best hardcourt win streak to 18 matches by beating 38th-ranked Croatian Ivan Dodig, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3.

“I started the match with the right intensity,” Nadal said. “I think I played my best match of the week so far.”

Federer, seeking his 18th Grand Slam title and sixth US Open crown, fired eight aces and 34 winners in defeating 63rd-ranked French left-hander Adrian Mannarino 6-3, 6-0, 6-2.

“I was able to play a great match. I was very pleased about the outcome,” Federer said. “I was able to really use my serve well, because it was breezy. I had a bit more variation than him, which helped increase the margin.”

On the women’s side, two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka advanced in three sets and Daniela Hantuchova saved four match points to reach the last 16, but Grand Slam winners Petra Kvitova and Svetlana Kuznetsova and former world number one Caroline Wozniacki were beaten.

Lowest seeding

Next up for Federer, in his lowest Grand Slam seeding since 2002 at seventh, will be Spanish 19th seed Tommy Robredo, who has lost all 10 matches he has played against the Swiss star, the past four in Grand Slams. “We have a similar game. We both have a one-handed backhand,” Federer said. “He is mentally tough, physically tough. I’m prepared for a tough match as usual.”

Nadal, who completed a career Grand Slam with his 2010 US Open crown but missed last year’s Open with knee injuries, has won nine titles since returning in February from a seven-month layoff.

Nadal, who is 56-3 this year and has held serve 37 times without fail over three matches, took command early, connecting on 65 percent of his first serves and 37 winners.

“I have to improve a little bit of everything to keep going in the second week,” Nadal said. “To win matches if you are not playing your best, it’s impossible.” Next up for Nadal will be 22nd seed Philipp Kohlschreiber, who ousted US 13th seed John Isner. Nadal is 9-1 against the German, losing only last year on Halle grass and winning their most recent meeting at Monte Carlo in April.

“I had some good matches against him, especially on hard court. Basically I know a little bit how I have to play,” Kohlschreiber said. “It’s going to be really tough. I think I also will play a really good match against him.” Azarenka, who lost to Serena Williams in last year’s final, outlasted French 26th seed Alize Cornet 6-7 (2/7), 6-3, 6-2.

“The first set Alize played really well and I made too many mistakes,” said Azarenka. “In the second set I started to take advantage of my opportunities and that made the difference.” Next up for Azarenka will be Serbian 13th seed Ana Ivanovic, the 2008 French Open champion who edged Christina McHale 4-6, 7-5, 6-4.

“I couldn’t keep my rhythm early in the match,” Ivanovic said. “I tried to keep my head down, stay calm and keep playing aggressive.” Italian 21-year-old qualifier Camila Giorgi, ranked 136th in the world, stunned Danish sixth seed Wozniacki 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.

“It was amazing this match,” Giorgi said. “I’m really excited.” Next for Giorgi is 10th-seeded compatriot Roberta Vinci, who eliminated Italian Karin Knapp 6-4, 6-3. Czech seventh seed Kvitova, the 2011 Wimbledon champion diagnosed with a virus Friday.