Rafael Nadal: “Novak Djokovic Missed Another Oppurtunity to Win Slam”

Rafael Nadal had to raise his level to beat Marin Cilic, in the night session of the US Open fourth round, in four sets. The Spaniard pulled off some magical shots, to down the Croatian, who has not been having the best of the seasons. Cilic has failed to win a single title this year, which is something out of the ordinary for him.

A day after Novak Djokovic retired against Stan Wawrinka in the third set, Rafael Nadal stands tall as the clear favorite to win the title here for a fourth time. However, Nadal was sympathetic towards Novak Djokovic after the exit. The Spaniard believed that he wasn’t treated the right way by the spectators of the US Open. Nadal did not watch the match, but said that he did not approve of the boos.

“Well no I really believe that he doesn’t deserve of course(to be booed)”, said Rafael Nadal. “I believe that hes a super athlete and if he had to go out because he was not able to continue at all”, he continued.

Nadal also said that after having such a dominant season, Novak Djokovic has missed an opportunity to win another slam here at the Flushing Meadows.“For him its much more painful for him than anyone on the Arthur Ashe Stadium, because he missed another opportunity to win another grand slam”, said Rafael Nadal. “Because he was playing on one of his best surfaces for sure hard(court), and coming after winning Wimbledon… so have been a good opportunity for him you know”, said Nadal.

Nadal will face one of his good friends Diego Schwartzman, who stunned Alexander Zverev in four sets, in his next match. The Argentine has never won a match against Rafa in their past 7 meetings, and will start as the clear underdog in the match.