Tennis star Rafael Nadal has entered the second round of the US Open with some difficulty.
“My first match here in New York in three years, night session – that’s always exciting. But I overcame that difficult moment,” said the 36-year-old Spaniard after he had to fight harder than expected in a 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 defeat of Australian Rinky Hijikata. Hijikata was only in the main draw thanks to a wildcard.
“It was one of those days where you have to do your job and I did that. I’m happy about that,” said the 22-time Grand Slam tournament winner. He said he got “a little nervous” after the first break against him. “But then I played better,” said Nadal, who also referred to his longer break from the match following the abdominal muscle injury he suffered in the Wimbledon semi-final: “It was more or less my second match in 50 days. “