A 25-second shot clock has been introduced at the US Open and Nadal was handed a code violation in his second round clash but he insists he’s comfortable with the rule.
He said: “The only thing that in my opinion is good is that the umpires are doing a good job.
“If they are doing the things the right way, that they wait to put the clock on when the points are so long, is not a problem.
“Clock, in my opinion, is just a part of the show.
“If they do it too strict, I believe especially under some tough conditions, the show is worst because you can’t play a couple points in a row, great rallies, with no time to recover.
“But in my opinion they are doing a very good job.”
Nadal brings a 4-0 head-to-head winning record against Karen Khachanov.
Nadal’s last defeat to a Russian was Nikolay Davydenko in the Doha semi-finals in 2011.
Nadal has a 42-3 match record for the season and since mid-May, Nadal’s has won 24 matches with his only loss coming against Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon semi-finals.
Rafael Nadal vs Karen Khachanov LIVE
First Set (*denotes server)
Nadal* 5-4 Khachanov
Once Nadal gets Khachanov on the run the Russian is in trouble. And the Nadal sees out the game to 15 and forces Khachanov to serve to stay in the set.
Nadal 4-4 Khachanov*
Nadal pushes Khachanov to deuce and gets a break point.
Nadal then slices a backhand which Khachanov struggles to deal with and that allows the US Open champion to rip a forehand winner past him and get the break.
Nadal* 3-4 Khachanov
Barring the drop of serve earlier in the set, Nadal has been largely comfortable.
The Spaniard is looking to attack the net and take time away from Khachanov.
Nadal 2-4 Khachanov*
Break point Nadal after forcing Khachanov into a poor error at the net. Big serve sees out the danger.
Then more patient, big hitting gives the ‘Next-Gen’ player the game.
Nadal* 2-3 Khachanov
Important hold to get back on track for Nadal. Big fist pump to celebrate winning the game.
Nadal 1-3 Khachanov*
Khachanov consolidates the break with the help of two aces. Very confident start.
Nadal* 1-2 Khachanov
15-40. Khachanov gets his own break points. Great return by the Russian and Nadal goes wide with a forehand. Game on!
Nadal 1-1 Khachanov*
Another big forehand winner by Khachanov to start the game. But Nadal strikes back with one of his own. Two break points. Both points well saved as the Russian holds on.
Very clear early on that Khachanov’s forehand and first serve will be crucial today.
Nadal* 1-0 Khachanov
Nadal already has Khachanov on the run in points but the Russian does land one blow with a big forehand winner
19:30: The roof on Arthur Ashe was closed for the final few games of Sloane Stephens’ win over Victoria Azerenka. But it has been opened again before the start of this match
19:20: Welcome to LIVE coverage of Rafael Nadal’s US Open third round clash against Karen Khachanov.