US Open 2022: Rafael Nadal shoots down accusations of preferential treatment: 'I think it’s a joke'

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Straight off his first round victory at the U.S. Open on Tuesday night, Rafael Nadal shut down accusations — most notably made by tennis legend John McEnroe — that he gets preferential treatment from umpires, specifically regarding the shot clock rule. 

Nadal defeated Australian Rinky Hijkata, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3, at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday night and during his post match presser, one reporter questioned him about his legacy and if he believed previous remarks made about his use of the clock between serves, something McEnroe has commented on in the past, would impact that.  

Rafael Nadal of Spain during day 2 of the US Open 2022, 4th Grand Slam event of the season at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 30, 2022 in Queens, New York City.  (Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)

"I think it’s a joke, you know," Nadal said with a laugh. "I went through a lot of warnings through my tennis career. Never for breaking a racket, never for doing a mess on court but yes for the time clock. You know, I have a problem that I am sweating a lot."

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"When you are playing during these very humid conditions, we have the biggest problem today — that is we don’t have the ball boys bringing the towels to you for the last couple of years. So you have to go to the farthest place of the court to take the towel." 

A drop of sweat falls down from Rafael Nadal of Spain as he prepares to serve against Rinky Hijikata of Australia in their Men's Singles First Round match during the 2022 U.S. Open Tennis Tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Aug. 30, 2022. (Eduardo