Nadal has yet to be troubled during the start of his US Open campaign with comfortable wins against David Ferrer and Vasek Pospisil.
But NextGen star Khachanov brings a completely different challenge within itself and the world No 1 is wary of avoiding a shock defeat.
However, like always, the Spaniard will not be too fussed about his opponent as long as he focusses on his own game.
“He is a powerful player. He is young and he has everything,“ Nadal told ESPN while on his way to the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“He has a good serve and shots from the baseline. I need to be aggressive and I need to play well. That’s the most important thing.
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“I need to play my game and do it well.”
Nadal’s clash with Khachanov will be his first day match of the tournament – but that has not changed his preparations too much.
“We get used to that, it is not a big deal,” Nadal added.
“We just had to adjust the timings a little bit this morning.
“I have had the right warm-up but we are ready for the match.”
Meanwhile, Khachanov acknowledged he faces a big ask if he is to pull off a huge upset.
“First off I have played the opening two matches really consistent. I haven’t lost my serve and I have played really solid,” he added.
“I am looking forward to playing against the world No 1 Rafa.
“I think I have to play like always. I don’t have to change my game.
“I have to play aggressive and keep pushing on my serve and on his serve.”