'Accept you're going to suffer' - Rafael Nadal recovers to down Rinky Hijikata in US Open first-round clash
A fired-up Rafael Nadal was as motivated as ever as he roared back from a set down to overcome Rinky Hijikata of Australia in their US Open first-round clash. After losing the opening set, the Spaniard gathered his composure and stepped up the intensity in the second to leave Hijikata — who could then only muster two games — reeling with the scores level before he pulled away. Ad In the end, the 4-6 6-2 6-3 6-3 scoreline reflected a fairly comfortable victory for the 36-year-old, who is looking to win the US Open — and what would be his third Grand Slam of a remarkable season — for the fifth occasion and first time since 2019.