Rafael Nadal will miss the upcoming US Open, skipping the season’s final Major and failing to overcome Roger Federer’s record! Rafael Nadal made his US Open debut in 2003 at 17. A teenager toppled word no. 61 Fernando Vicente in straight sets to celebrate his first triumph in New York.
Nineteen years later and with four trophies on his tally, Nadal was still among the players to beat at the US Open 12 months ago. The Spaniard entered the draw as the 2nd seed, hoping for another good run despite injury issues.
Rafa made a winning start at his 16th US Open with a 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 triumph over Australia’s Rinky Hijikata in three hours and eight minutes. Thus, Nadal spanned 19 years between his first and last US Open victory, matching Roger Federer’s achievement.
It was Rafa’s second match after he withdrew from Wimbledon, and he was pleased with his performance. The Spaniard lost serve once in the opener and defended three break points in the third set, keeping the pressure on the other side after the opener.
Rafael Nadal has been competitive in New York for almost 20 years.
Still, he could not keep that level from set number two, hitting the exit door.
Nadal broke Hijikata five times from ten opportunities and moved into the second round for the 16th time from as many trips to New York. The opening set was tight, offering only one break chance in the seventh game. Rinky broke Rafa at 30 with a winner at the net to forge a 4-3 advantage.
The Australian served well in all five service games and secured the first set with a booming serve at 5-4 after 44 minutes. Nadal started all over in the second set and delivered four comfortable holds, giving everything despite abdominal problems.
Hijikata could not follow that pace and lost serve two times.The Spaniard earned his first break in game two after the rival’s loose forehand. Hijikata served to stay in the set at 5-2 and suffered the second break, handing the set to Nadal.
A four-time champion served well in the third set and awaited a chance on the return. It came in game four, and he grabbed it after Rinky’s double fault to open a 3-1 advantage. The Spaniard served well in the rest of the set and wrapped it up with a service winner at 5-3.
Nadal broke at love at 2-2 in the fourth set to forge the advantage and move closer to the finish line. He bounced back from 40-0 down in the eighth game to deliver a hold and remain in front. Rinky served to stay in the match at 5-3 and faced five match points.
The youngster fended off the first four before Nadal seized the fifth with his trademark forehand down the line winner.
