'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.

US OpenNadal, Medvedev, Alcaraz or Ruud? Who will win No. 1 race after shock Tsitsipas loss?17 HOURS AGO Nadal was left to reflect on an injury-plagued period between the Grand Slams as he emphasised the importance of accepting that «you need to fight» and that «you are going to suffer» in order to produce when it really matters on tennis' biggest stage. «It's been a long wait,» Nadal said in his on-court interview.

«For some time I thought I may not be able to be back, so I am super happy. Night sessions are the best. »I just have to be humble and accept the process, day after day in practices and matches and stay positive.

«I think I started not that bad the first couple of games, but then I had some opportunities that I was not able to make it. »I think I didn't play a good game with my serve. Then he had the break.

Then I was a little bit nervous. First match here in New York after three years, a night session, it's always exciting. Yeah, I went through this tough moment.