Rafael Nadal

The 22-time Major champion Rafael Nadal will kick off his 16th US Open campaign on Tuesday night. Rafa will face world no. 198 Rinky Hijikata in the first ...

Nonetheless, Nadal fixed the damage with a backhand crosscourt winner that delivered a break for him in game 12 and pushed him into the next round. Rafa will play against a player with a wild card for the 18th time at Majors, winning 15 and hoping to remain on two losses. 198 Rinky Hijikata in the first round, as the young Aussie received a wild card for his first Major in a career.

Rinky Hijikata will be making his Grand Slam main draw debut against the four-time champion in Flushing Meadows on Tuesday night but is relishing the chance to ...

That was a great experience for me, I think I learned a lot from that,” he said of the match. Hijikata added: “That was hard to beat, playing each other pretty much every Slam and the quality of their tennis was out of this world. “It’s always been a dream of mine to go out there on the biggest stages of tennis and try to have a big crack at players like that. [Federer](/latest/roger-federer), the world No 198 is also a fan of their Big Three rival, [Novak Djokovic](/latest/novak-djokovic). Hijikata has previously unsuccessfully contested the qualifying contest at the Australian Open and Wimbledon but he will finally get to play a Grand Slam main draw match after receiving a US Open wildcard, finding himself drawn against the player with the most men’s singles titles at Major level in history. Rinky Hijikata will be making his Grand Slam main draw debut against the four-time champion in Flushing Meadows on Tuesday night but is relishing the chance to face Nadal despite being thrown straight in at the deep end.

Rafael Nadal defeated Rinky Hijikata in four sets at the US Open on Tuesday to reach the second round. The four-time champion will next play Fabio Fognini, ...

The lefty lost his opening match at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati against eventual champion [Borna Coric](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/borna-coric/cg80/overview). The contender for a place at the [Intesa Sanpaolo Next Gen ATP Finals](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/intesa-sanpaolo-next-gen-atp-finals/7696/overview) came out firing, playing aggressively to keep Nadal from dominating the action. [‘Welcome To The Big House’: Hijikata Relishing Rafa Clash](/en/news/hijikata-us-open-2022-feature) [Rinky Hijikata](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/rinky-hijikata/h0bh/overview) 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 at Flushing Meadows, where he is competing for the first time since he won the 2019 title. [Daniil Medvedev](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/daniil-medvedev/mm58/overview), [Carlos Alcaraz](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/carlos-alcaraz/a0e2/overview) and [Casper Ruud](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/casper-ruud/rh16/overview) all must reach at least the final to have a chance of preventing the Spaniard from capturing the top spot. The Australian hit 11 winners to just six unforced errors in the first set, unleashing roars to the New York crowd to celebrate some of his best shots. [Australian Open](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/australian-open/580/overview). The 21-year-old had gained experience in a big match earlier this month in Los Cabos, where he made World No. Nadal leads the pair’s ATP Head2Head series 13-4. [Arthur Ashe](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/arthur-ashe/a063/overview) Stadium. Night sessions are the best," Nadal said. [Rafael Nadal](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/rafael-nadal/n409/overview) to discover his rhythm on Tuesday evening at the [US Open](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/us-open/560/overview), but the four-time champion found it to advance to the second round.

Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal returned to the US Open after three years and although he surprisingly lost the first set to Grand Slam debutant Rinky ...

In 2021 he was unable to participate due to a left foot injury. Maybe that's why he was slow to get into rhythm tonight at Flushing Meadows. [Rafael Nadal's anger and anguish in the middle of US Open by leaked video of his wife's admission to the hospital](https://www.marca.com/en/tennis/us-open/2022/08/31/630eac4c22601dc9158b456b.html)

Rafael Nadal summoned repelled Aussie Rinky Hijikata, winning a 3-hour, 8-minute four-setter 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the first round of the U.S. Open.

“I was able to come back after a tough first set,’’ Nadal said. “I have to say the last few days I’ve embraced the American way of looking at it a little bit more.” It was a day to get the job done.’’ It’s a moment to survive and stay positive, stay with the right attitude, enjoying the fact I’m here.’’ “It was a tough match,’’ Nadal said. In his first match at the U.S.

Rafael Nadal has been dealing with injuries that could threaten his career, but he earned a first-round victory over Rinky Hijikata at the U.S. Open.

“I am enjoying the fact I am here,” he said. “I was a little nervous, but I remembered I didn’t have anything to lose going into that match, playing an older and more experienced player,” said Tien, who is considering college and will compete in the junior U.S. [Emma Raducanu](https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2021-09-11/emma-raducanu-defeats-leylah-fernandez-us-open-womens-title) of Britain, who has struggled since she won the U.S. At the rate the American men are going, they will still be chasing that next Slam title by the time Tien is ready to play against the big boys. It was tough to see the once-dominant Williams, who debuted here in 1997 and won the title here twice, unable to cover the court. [It was] a day to just make the job done, and that’s what I did,” said Nadal, the No. [Australian Open](https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2022-01-30/rafael-nadal-wins-australian-open-for-21st-major-title) this year and followed up by [winning his beloved French Open](https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2022-06-05/rafael-nadal-defeats-casper-ruud-for-14th-french-open-title) for the 14th time, giving him a men’s-record 22 Grand Slam singles titles. “I just love being here, love playing here, the excitement of getting here, and the lead-up is all just — it never gets old. “I have what I have,” the four-time U.S. “In some way, [this] was not the day to play perfect. Nadal clinched it on his fifth match point, threading a fierce forehand down the line to secure a 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 victory under the closed roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium. His chronic foot problems and recent abdominal tear now mean that any point might truly be the last of his career if his worn-out body won’t allow him to continue.

RAFAEL NADAL went a set down to Rinky Hijikata but battled back to reach the second round of the US Open.

He let out a gigantic roar as he skipped around the hard-court after finally winning the game. But he was still not at his absolute best, at least not consistently as he committed a string of errors throughout. Yet Nadal, in typical battling fashion, rediscovered his level in the second set and broke Hijikata immediately. Nadal had not played on Arthur Ashe Stadium since beating Daniil Medvedev in a thrilling five-set 2019 final and was out of sorts to begin with. The 21-year-old would've been forgiven for showing nerves on such a stage but served well on his first ever appearance at a major. Hijikata had only ever won one ATP Tour match before this and even that was courtesy of a mid-match retirement at the Los Cabos Open.

Tennis - Nadal lost the opening set against Rinky Hijikata before raising his level.

Nadal broke at love at 2-2 in the fourth set to forge the advantage and move closer to the finish line. The Spaniard earned his first break of serve in game two after the rival's loose forehand and held at love in the next one for 3-0. Nadal started all over in the second set and produced four comfortable holds. He lost his serve once in the opener and defended three break chances in set number three to keep the pressure on the other side. The Spaniard hit 43 winners and 22 unforced errors, and he should be pleased with his performance in only the second match after Wimbledon. Nadal sealed the deal in three hours and eight minutes to join Daniil Medvedev and Carlos Alcaraz in the second round.

RAFAEL NADAL had to fight back from a set down to win on his US Open return in Tuesday's night session.

Nadal was taking part in his first US Open match since defeating Daniil Medvedev in a memorable five-set affair to earn his four and most recent crown in 2019. Nadal's US Open preparations were far from ideal after withdrawing from his Wimbledon semi-final against Nick Kyrgios with an abdominal injury in July. The Spaniard returned to the hallowed hard count in Tuesday's night session with a fighting performance but explained his retirement fear after his latest victory.

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 ...

Then when he comes back he's got the foot problem and then he goes to Roland-Garros and then all of a sudden he won, so I'm so impressed again with what Rafa is doing. He is probably the best player or athlete that I have ever met at knowing how to deal with adversity because he deals with that very well and this is so difficult.” “I think probably one of the most difficult seasons of his career, from where he came from and for the things he had in the beginning and in the middle of the season as well. I think we need to wait of course but it could be one of the most surprising ones because he's come a long way from before Melbourne. And he's got the experience to know how to deal with the big winners of the tournament.” “Then before Roland-Garros, we didn't know if he was going to play and then if he's capable of winning here, that will be a major impact. So at least, that will be a major effort. "For some time I thought I may not be able to be back, so I am super happy. "I think I didn't play a good game with my serve. That's what I did today," he continued. "But from where he came, he came from a lot of problems. "It's been a long wait," Nadal said in his on-court interview.

Rafael Nadal was involved in a testy exchange with a journalist at the US Open after it was put to him that he receives preferential treatment from umpires.

I have a problem that I am sweating a lot. I don't understand why John can say that on the TV. I don't think I have a different treatment from the umpires at all. But I am going to have a chat with him later (smiling). If not, check the clock. Nadal: I never said that. You have to go to the farthest place of the court to take the towel.The problem for players like me that am sweating that much, you know when you go to pick up the towel, you are going to be in trouble with the time. Question: You have not been following the serve clock rule. John McEnroe has been pointing out you are not following that rule. It seems like the umpires are not enforcing the rule in your case. John McEnroe has been pointing this out. US Open

After being apart from New York for the last 3 years, Rafael Nadal made a victorious return against Rinky Hijikata that made him hungry for more.

US Open exclusively captured Rafael Nadal’s first arrival on Arthur Ashe after 3 years of being away from the American Grand Slam, and released the video on their social media. Because Daniil Medvedev, Rafael Nadal, and Dominic Thiem have not played a single match at the US Open since winning their titles but they will all compete in this year's edition, the American Grand Slam will have three players defending their titles. After being apart from New York for the last 3 years, Rafael Nadal made a victorious return against Rinky Hijikata that made him hungry for more.

The 25-second shot clock rule was introduced in 2018 to speed the game up and to give players a timeframe within which they are expected to serve.

He takes a look at the clock again… Shouldn't they have it at 15 seconds on the second serve? 'I have a problem that I am sweating a lot. Never for doing a mess on court. Never for breaking a racquet. John McEnroe criticised them for not penalising the Spaniard for the time he takes between serves

'I'm going to chat to him later': Nadal hits back at tennis great's 'joke' accusation.

“I don’t think I have different treatment from the umpires at all. “I have a problem, that I am sweating a lot, and when you are playing a game during these very humid conditions, we have the biggest problem today. To me, it’s a big joke if somebody says that.” I don’t think I am receiving different treatment at all. but yes for the time clock. Never for breaking the racquet...

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 was "nervous".

"You need to be humble enough to go through this process and accept that you need to fight and you need to accept that you going to suffer. "As I said, last week I lost a match in the first round. I know what I have to do better for the next couple of days. It was a day to just get the job done, and that is what I did. "You know, that is the sport. In some ways, it was not the day to play perfectly. Things start to go your way, then you start to feel more relaxed, more comfortable. My opponent did it very well for a while. I was not perfect, but happy. "But then I think I played better. "Well, obviously a tough match," Nadal said in his post-match press conference. Yes, I went through this tough moment.

Rafael Nadal has won 22 Grand Slam titles, but apparently he still feels the nerves in the early rounds.

Djokvoic is not competing in the Open because [he was not allowed to travel to the U.S](https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamzagoria/2022/08/25/unvaccinated-novak-djokovic-withdraws-from-us-open-because-he-cant-travel-to-united-states/). They played an epic 2019 final in which Medvedev came back from two sets down to force a fifth set and turn the crowd from hating him to loving him in the process. [when he spoiled Novak Djokovic’s bid](https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamzagoria/2021/09/12/daniil-medvedev-brings-novak-djokovics-grand-slam-bid-to-a-sudden-and-dramatic-halt-in-us-open-final/) to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to complete a calendar Grand Slam. In the other hand, of course I'm having an amazing year in terms of results, but at the same time a tough year because I went through the foot, the rib, stress fracture on the rib, then the tear in the abdominal. “You need to be humble enough to go through this process and accept that you need to fight and you need to accept that you going to suffer. In some way was not the day to play perfect. 1 seed Daniil Medvedev, and the two could meet in the final on Sept. At the same time we coming back from a tough period of time.” But the Spaniard steadied the course and went on to a 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 victory in 3 hours, 8 minutes, capping the match with a sick forehand passing shot for a winner. The feeling is much worse than losing a match, no? Nadal, 36, improved to 20-0 in majors this year and 16-0 in U.S. 198 in the world who played college tennis at North Carolina.

Rafael Nadal lost his opening set at the US Open for the first time in his career but was buoyed by his recovery to beat Rinky Hijikata.

[US Open](https://www.tennis365.com/category/us-open/) In some way it was not the day to play perfect. [News](https://www.tennis365.com/category/news/) It was not perfect. Then I was a little bit nervous. [WTA Tour](https://www.tennis365.com/category/wta-tour/) [Tennis News](https://www.tennis365.com/category/tennis-news/) Nadal said: “Obviously it was a tough match. “I think I didn’t play a good game with my serve. For some time I thought I may not be able to be back, so I am super happy. I went through this tough moment. “I just have to be humble and accept the process, day after day in practices and matches and stay positive.”

Rafael Nadal dropped his opening set at the US Open but recovered to defeat Australian wildcard Rinky Hijikata 4-6 6-2 6-3 6-3.

I don't think I have a different treatment from the umpires at all." "I have a problem that I am sweating a lot," he explained. "You know what, I have been practicing quite well during the whole week," Nadal said.

After the retirement of Ash Barty, the Polish tennis player has become the number one in the world and a dominant player on the circuit: winner of Roland Garros ...

Nadal hasn't lost a Grand Slam match this year but also hasn't won all three Grand Slams.

Rafael Nadal's ability to adjust and improve his movement despite his injuries and age has been key to his longevity, according to four-time Grand Slam ...

[US Open](https://www.tennis365.com/category/us-open/) You’ve got to be straight if you make a statement – ‘I heard from John McEnroe’ I don’t like that. “If you see that match point – that runner forehand down the line – there’s nobody else who can do that. [Tennis News](https://www.tennis365.com/category/tennis-news/) [Eurosport](https://www.eurosport.co.uk/tennis/us-open/2022/i-dont-like-that-kim-clijsters-and-alex-corretja-defend-rafael-nadal-over-service-criticism-at-2022-_sto9112769/story.shtml). [a 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3](https://www.tennis365.com/tennis-news/rafael-nadal-drops-opening-set-win/) victory.