Rafael Nadal hits back at critics

Rafael Nadal has reacted angrily to repeated questions over his form, claiming that the criticism has gone too far.

The Spaniard dropped to eighth in the world rankings following a lacklustre year in which he has failed to progress past the quarter-finals in any Grand Slam.

The 29-year-old, who has 14 major titles under his belt, hit back at the media following his straight-sets US Open second-round win over Diego Schwartzman, insisting that his decline is being exaggerated.

"I am number eight in the world. I am not number 100," he is quoted as saying by The Guardian.

"It seems like I am number 200 in every press conference. I am not so bad. After I arrive here with the victory, I go back to the locker room saying how bad I am. Every day.

"For the fans, it is normal that they are worried because I am worried, too. If I am not playing well, I am the first one who worries."

In consequence of his eighth-placed ranking, he could face world number one Novak Djokovic as early as the quarter-finals.

Follow all of the action of Nadal's third-round clash with Fabio Fognini with Sports Mole's live commentary.