US Open: Rafael Nadal rallies past Rinky Hijikata
Rafael Nadal struggled to find his footing on Tuesday evening at the US Open but rallied from a set down to win against Australian Rinky Hijikata 4-6 6-2 6-3 6-3 at Flushing Meadows
US Open : Hard fought win in US openIt marks the Spaniard's return to the US Open after three years, and the second seed has won 19 of his past 20 matches at Flushing Meadows.
"It's been a long wait. For some time I thought I may not be able to be back, so I am super happy. Night sessions are the best," Nadal said. He will meet Italian Fabio Fognini, who resurfaced from two sets down against the 22-time Slam champion in New York in 2015.
The Australian secured 11 winners to just six unforced errors in the opening set. Nadal improved his serve in the second set and recorded 75 per cent of accuracy in his first serves, which turned the tables.
Nadal broke quickly in the final three sets and won the match. It marks Nadal's second match since Wimbledon, where he pulled out before the semi-finals due to an abdominal injury.
Nadal's next opponent is Fabio Fognini, who edged past Aslan Karatsev 1-6, 5-7, 6-4, 6-1, 6-4 after three hours and 34 minutes of perseverance.