Why Rafael Nadal was 'a little bit nervous' during US Open first-round victory over Rinky Hijikata

Rafael Nadal may have swept past Rinky Hijikata in impressive fashion after losing the opening set of their US Open first-round clash, but he also revealed that he was «a little bit nervous» during the match. The second seed fell a set down to the Australian in a surprising start to the encounter but rallied to eventually win out, 4-6 6-2 6-3 6-3, to reach the second round, where he will face Fabio Fognini. Ad When he came to reflect on the match afterwards, Nadal admitted that nerves played a part in him losing the opening set after having had to contend with injuries in the lead up to the tournament.

US Open'It's a joke' — Nadal fires back at reporter, denies time clock abuse4 HOURS AGO «Well, obviously a tough match,» Nadal said in his post-match press conference. «I think I started not that bad in the first couple of games, but then I had some opportunities that I was not able to make. »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. Yes, I went through this tough moment.

«But then I think I played better. I was not perfect, but happy. My second match in 50 days, more or less.

In some ways, it was not the day to play perfectly. It was a day to just get the job done, and that is what I did. I'm happy about that.

»I have been practising quite well during the whole week, but then competing is a different story. You need to go through this process. Not easy.