Georgian top seed Nikoloz Basilashvili lost to legendary Rafael Nadal 3:6, 3:6, 7:6, 6:4 in 1/8 final of US Open. Nika played his one of the best and most beautiful matches against Nadal. Nikoloz played offensive tennis, won many beautiful rallies and received standing ovation from the audience. The Georgian had 56 winners and Nadal – 30. But Basilashvili had 59 unforced errors and Nadal – 19.
Rafa, first of all, won the match at the expense of experience and was more concentrated in important moments.
As for the match, Nadal did not have advantage in the first set. Basilashvili made two mistakes at 4:3 and Nadal made a break.
Nadal made two breaks in the second set.
The third set was a battle. First Nikoloz made a break, then Nadal. Finally, the Georgian won the set on tiebreak 8:6.
Nika looked tired in the fourth set. Rafa started the set with break but unexpectedly, Nika managed to equalize score (3:3). Unfortunately, Nika lost his serve again.
Basilashvili earned 180 ranking points and 266 000 USD. The Georgian is in the 31st place in live ranking.
