Wimbledon 2017: Rafael Nadal Advances After Friday Win vs. Karen Khachanov

Rafael Nadal cruised into the next stage of Wimbledon 2017 after defeating Karen Khachanov on Centre Court on Friday.

The Spanish star collected a victory in style, winning 6-1, 6-4, 7-6 (3) in London, England.

Andy Murray came through an emotional encounter against fiery Fabio Fognini, edging out his opponent 6-2, 4-6, 6-1, 7-5.

The home fans had smiles on their faces as Johanna Konta had an easy day at the office as well, beating Maria Sakkari, 6-4, 6-1.

No. 2 seed Simona Halep was given a solid workout by Peng Shuai, advancing 6-4, 7-6 (7).

Here are the latest results from southwest London:

Men's Draw

(1) Andy Murray vs. (28) Fabio Fognini: 6-2, 4-6, 6-1, 7-5

(4) Rafael Nadal def. (30) Karen Khachanov: 6-1, 6-4, 7-6 (3)

(7) Marin Cilic def. (26) Steve Johnson: 6-4, 7-6 (3), 6-4

(18) Roberto Bautista-Agut def. (9) Kei Nishikori: 6-4, 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-3

(12) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs. (24) Sam Querrey: 2-6, 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-1, 5-6, play suspended

Women's Draw

(2) Simona Halep def. Peng Shuai: 6-4, 7-6 (7)

(4) Elina Svitolina def. Carina Witthoeft: 6-1, 7-5

(6) Johanna Konta def. Maria Sakkari: 6-4, 6-1

(27) Ana Konjuh def. (8) Dominika Cibulkova: 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4

(10) Venus Williams def. Naomi Osaka: 7-6 (3), 6-4

For a full look at Friday's results, visit Wimbledon's official website. 

Recap

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

Nadal's tactics and movement were in prime shape as he dismissed the challenge of Khachanov with comfortable ease.

The Spaniard accelerated out of the blocks with speed, taking the first four games as the Russian laboured.

Nadal was all business as he claimed a two-set lead, driving forward 6-1, 6-4, in little time.

The third was a tighter affair as Nadal's serve came under threat for the first time.

Khachanov, who appears to be a star of the future, pushed the final set into a tie-break before finally surrendering the match.

Nadal completed the victory, winning the tie-breaker 7-3, as he hit 41 winners through the final set.

DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/Getty Images

Murray had to find an extra gear against Fognini, digging deep as he appeared to be facing a potential shock.

The Scot comfortably took the opening set, but faced a backlash from his opponent who dominated the second.

Murray once again resumed control in the third as the Italian faced minor injury issues, but the fourth was an equal affair until the final four games.

The champion was aggressive as he crossed the line, earning a 6-2, 4-6, 6-1, 7-5 victory in two hours and 39 minutes.

OLI SCARFF/Getty Images

Konta excited the British fans as she played her best tennis to advance to the fourth round at the All England Club.

The rising star was never in trouble, winning 6-4, 6-1 against Sakkari on Court One, completing 89 per cent of winners as she approached the net.

Konta has struggled to play her best tennis after sustaining injury in the build up to the Championship, but she appeared mobile and fit as she disposed of the Greek 21-year-old.

ADRIAN DENNIS/Getty Images

Halep joins Konta in the next round after a tough match against Peng, who stayed in touch during a worthy battle.

Peng forced a tie-breaker in the second set, but couldn't stop the No. 2 seed progressing.

Nadal appears in top shape as we head towards the second week of play at Wimbledon.

The Spaniard is on course to become world No. 1 once again if he proceeds deep into the competition, and on current form he appears the favourite for the championship.