Rafael Nadal - players.bio

'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.

Rafael Nadal overcomes scare to reach US Open second round

Rafael Nadal overcame dropping the first set to defeat Australian wildcard Rinky Hijikata at the US Open first round on Tuesday. Nadal triumphed 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 over his 198th-ranked opponent to register his 65th career win in New York. The 36-year-old Spaniard, who is chasing a 23rd Grand Slam title and third of 2022, next faces Fabio Fognini.

US Open 2022: Rafael Nadal Overcomes Scare To Reach Second Round

Four-time champion Rafael Nadal overcame dropping the first set to defeat Australian wildcard Rinky Hijikata at the US Open first round on Tuesday. Nadal triumphed 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 over his 198th-ranked opponent to register his 65th career win in New York. The 36-year-old Spaniard, who is chasing a 23rd Grand Slam title and third of 2022, next faces Fabio Fognini. Nadal holds a 13-4 career lead over the Italian but Fognini famously defeated him from two sets down in the third round of the US Open in 2015.