US Open 2022: Bloodied Rafael Nadal overcomes rough start, freak accident to defeat Fabio Fognini

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Rafael Nadal is one step closer to winning his 23rd Grand Slam title after overcoming a rough start in the second round of the U.S. Open and a freak incident with his own racket on Thursday night to defeat Fabio Fognini in four sets. 

Leading the fourth set 3-0, Nadal quickly dropped his racket and grabbed at his nose after seemingly hitting himself in the face when his racket ricocheted off the court while attempting to return the ball. 

Rafael Nadal, of Spain, after hitting himself on his nose with his own racket during his match against Fabio Fognini, of Italy, in the second round of the men's singles at the US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 01, 2022 in New York City.  (Frey/TPN/Getty Images)

He laid on the court near his bench while a trainer attended to his bloodied nose, which appeared to be injured near the bridge, before eventually returning after a five-minute delay.

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"It was just a strong hit. At the beginning I thought I [broke] it, the nose, because I was in shock," Nadal told reporters during his post match press conference. "It was very painful." 

"It seems like it's not [broken], I am not sure yet. I think it’s getting bigger and bigger, but it’s just a shock. In some way, I deserved to play that bad for a while," Nadal joked of his rough start. 

Rafael Nadal, of Spain, lies down to receive medical treatment on his nose after hitting himself with his own racket during his match against Fabio Fognini, of Italy, in the second round of the men's singles at the US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National