'It's a joke' – Rafael Nadal fires back at reporter, denies serve clock abuse after US Open first-round win
Rafael Nadal was involved in a testy exchange with a journalist after it was put to him that he receives preferential treatment from umpires. The incident came after the Spaniard roared back from a set down to beat Australia’s Rinky Hijikata in the first round of the US Open, eventually sealing a 4-6 6-2 6-3 6-3 win to progress to round two where he will face Fabio Fognini. Ad A delighted Nadal said in his on-court interview that he was “super happy” to return to Flushing Meadows, but his post-match press conference was a more tense affair.
