New York - Rafael Nadal shrugged off the pain of an abdominal strain to complete a 7-5, 6-4, 6-4 win Sunday over Spanish compatriot Nicolas Almagro and claw into the second week of the US Open. Third seed Ndal, who spent two months resting tendinitis-plagued knees, called for the trainer after the third game of the third set and was stretched out on the court for treatment of his latest injury.
After the visit, the former number one, who has won all Grand Slams save New York, was able to finish the job for his place in the last 16 at Flushing Meadows through a break for 3-2 on the way to the straight-sets result.
"It was a difficult match," said Nadal, now 19-6 at the tournament.
"These kind of matches are important to win. I'm happy to be in the fourth round. I felt my Cincinnati stomach injury a bit, but I'll do my best to recover for the next match."
Nadal improved to 4-0 over Almagro as he awaits an opponent from French 13th seed Gael Monfils and Argentine Jose Acasuso.
"Both of them are playing really well and would be difficult opponents," Nadal said.
Spain's 2003 finalist Juan Carlos Ferrero produced his best New York showing since his title bid six years ago against Andy Roddick, advancing when French ninth seed Gilles Simon retired with a knee injury to start their fourth set, 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5), 1-0.
Chilean 11th seed Fernando Gonzalez duplicated Nadal's scoreline as he beat Czech Tomas Berdych 7-5, 6-4, 6-4.
In the women's fourth round, second seed Serena Williams, her title chances improved by Friday's ouster of top seed Dinara Safina, crushed Slovak Daniela Hantuchova 6-2, 6-0.
"I traditionally play really well in my fourth-round matches," said the three-time champion, aiming for a 12th career Grand Slam crown. "I just want to keep this level and just stay focused and play well my next match."
China's Li Na stopped Italian Francesca Schiavone 6-2, 6-3.
