Rafael Nadal, qualified for the round of 16 of the US Open: “Important progress”

“How would you rate your performance against Richard Gasquet (6-0, 6-1, 7-5) in the third round of the US Open?
It’s my best match of the tournament, without a doubt. Significant progress. We must continue. It’s a good victory, my first of the fortnight in three sets. The third set was difficult, it (Gasquet) raised his level of play. There were complicated moments, it’s good to live through them and get through them.

Can you compare what you experienced at the Australian Open and what you experience here, in New York, with, each time, a shortened preparation?
The feelings are different. I was playing better in Australia than here to reach the second week. I played less well than in Australia, that’s clear. But besides that, my Grand Slam results have been amazing this year, that helps. All these victories help to be more confident. This is the time to progress, to take a step forward.

Against a great player like Frances (Tiafoe, his opponent in the round of 16 on Monday), I have to raise my level of play. I hope to be ready. It will be necessary to continue to advance in the tournament. Today (Saturday), it got better. I hope to have a good training tomorrow (sunday) and be ready the day after tomorrow (Monday).

You lead 2-0 in your confrontations with Tiafoe. Two wins without losing a single set. How do you imagine this duel?
I think he plays very well. He has progressed, he is more solid than before. He has more matches and years on the circuit. He has experience. He plays with a lot of passion and a lot of energy. He goes very fast and he can play very aggressively. He’s a player I won’t win against if I don’t play well. I know it will be a very big test for me. It’s normal to face a tough opponent in the round of 16 of the US Open, I accept that. I have to increase my energy, my level and my intensity. »