Returning to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for the first time since 2019, when he raised the fourth US Open trophy of his career, Rafael Nadal turned back ,despite dropping the opening set to bright-eyed Australian wild card Rinky Hijikata,Rafael Nadal kickstarted his pursuit of a 23rd Grand Slam singles title with a 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 win in Round 1.
Rafa forehand rip 🔥 pic.twitter.com/RhorGZTlEg
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 31, 2022
Rafael Nadal wins his first US Open match since capturing the title in 2019.
HOLY MATCH POINT RAFA pic.twitter.com/sHsyYmPBAK
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 31, 2022
Nadal had played just one match since Wimbledon, falling to eventual first-time ATP Masters 1000 titlist Borna Coric in the second round in Cincinnati, 7-6(9), 4-6, 6-3. The 36-year-old admitted that, due to the abdominal tear, he had to take things slowly with his serve. But he appeared to be going all-out on Day 2 in Arthur Ashe Stadium, where he charted nine aces and won 44 of 57 (77%) first-serve points.
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The all-time leader in Grand Slam men’s singles titles with 22, Nadal remains in the running for a return to world No. 1 for the first time in more than two years.
“It’s been a long wait,” said Rafael Nadal , some 1,087 days removed from his last appearance in Flushing Meadows. “For some time, I thought maybe I wouldn’t be able to come back. But here I am. I’m super happy. The night sessions here in New York are the best without a doubt.”
#USOpen night sessions carry.
Just ask @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/llcuqtIA7F
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 31, 2022
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