Lob and Smash
Fansided

Rafael Nadal: can anyone stop the top seed at Melbourne Park?

By Harry Floyd

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain ties his bandana in his third round match against Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia and Herzogovina on day five of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain ties his bandana in his third round match against Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia and Herzogovina on day five of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Rafael Nadal is into the fourth round at the 2018 Australian Open. Cruising through his matches so far, the question must be asked; can anyone stop him?

Rafael Nadal faces Diego Schwartzman of Argentina next at the 2018 Australian Open. While the Argentine tennis star is off to a roaring start himself this year, Nadal is the top seed and is yet to drop a single set at Melbourne Park.

The world No. 1 and top seed is cruising through his matches so far. Leonardo Mayer did take him to a third set tiebreak in his second match, but otherwise, Nadal has given up more than three games in any given set just once. He remains a heavy favorite to win the title along with defending champion Roger Federer.

More from Lob and Smash

The Swiss great is facing French tennis star Richard Gasquet for his third round matchup. Federer will remain the heavy favorite and looks to add yet another Grand Slam title to his resume this month. Last year, Federer defeated Nadal in a five-set epic to take home the title at Melbourne Park. It was his fifth win at the Grand Slam.

Novak Djokovic, who also remains alive, is a six-time champion in men’s singles at the Australian Open. He took time away from the 2017 ATP World Tour in order to address an ongoing elbow injury. Though he looks good so far at Melbourne Park, one has to wonder if the elbow will catch up to him. He defeated French star Gael Monfils in order to reach the third round of play.

Look for both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer to remain favorites to take home the title this year at Melbourne Park.

Nadal and Federer have proven to be so dominant over the past year. Despite Federer’s age and Nadal’s recent knee troubles, the two cannot be stopped. It could easily come down to another head-to-head battle for the title. It is Federer, however, who has bested Nadal throughout their last several meetings.

Next: Top 10: Men's Singles Tennis

Action rolls on at the 2018 Australian Open. Both the WTA Tour and ATP World Tour are off to fantastic starts this year. Several former champions and young up and comers remain alive at the Grand Slam. Stay tuned to see if anyone can stop the red hot Rafael Nadal. His fourth round match goes down tomorrow at the major tournament. Check back for updates on his and everyone else’s progress at the Australian Open.

Home/ATP