Rafael Nadal dropped his debut scene at US Open But recovered to beat Australia’s Ringie Hijikata 4-6 6-2 6-3 6-3
It means Nadal remains unbeaten in 20 grand slams this year after winning the Australian Open and French Open before pulling out of the Wimbledon semi-finals due to injury.
The Spaniard played in his first US Open match since winning his fourth title at Flushing Meadows in 2019 and he must overcome horror against world number 198, Hijikata.(Rafael Nadal dropped the first set)
“I was a little nervous,” Nadal said of his performance in the first set. “The first match here in New York after three years. night session It’s always exciting I went through this difficult time.”
Hijikata opened the goal with a tennis ball at 3-3 before serving to take the lead. But Nadal began to assert his dominance in the second set – breaking Hijitaka’s serve in the first inning.
Nadal doesn’t seem to have a problem from there. Elevate the competition with another break. Then do the next two sets to complete the victory in just three hours. He finished the race with 42 winners and 22 unforced errors.
read: Defending champion Radukanu and Osaka lost both US Open first round
With Novak Djokovic in the draw, Nadal has a good chance of winning his 23rd Grand Slam title at this year’s US Open.
However, he entered the competition briefly with the competitive experience he had. Played only once since leaving Wimbledon. With a stomachache – defeat to Borna Ćorić at the Western & Southern Open
“You know what? I trained pretty well all week,” Nadal said. “Then the competition was another story. You have to go through this whole process. It’s not easy.”
The 36-year-old was also questioned about serving too long during Tuesday’s game.(Rafael Nadal dropped the first set) But Nadal insisted the referee did not give him a different treatment. and failed to warn him that the time limit was exceeded during the service.
“I have a problem with sweating a lot,” he explains, “when you’re playing in this humid climate. The biggest problem we have today is that we haven’t had a towel delivered to you in the last few years. You have to go to the farthest field. to use a towel.
“The problem with a player like me is that I sweat a lot. When you go get a towel You will have time problems. So I don’t go often. I don’t think I’m being treated any differently than a referee.”
Nadal will meet Fabio. Italy’s Fognini in the second round Which is a player he has won 13 times in 17 matches.
