Rafael Nadal News

After losing the first game, Rafael Nadal was able to rally and defeat Rinky Hijikata in the No. 2 seed's first match in the US Open on Tuesday night.

Slow out of the gates, Nadal stormed back, amusing of live fans in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

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Nadal didn't show any lasting effects from the abdominal muscle strain which forced Nadal, a tennis legend and 22-time

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"I went through this tough moment but then I think I played better, no?" Nadal inquired reporters during his press conference following the match. "Of course, was not perfect, but yeah, happy."

Following the postmatch handshake Nadal was clearly happy and exuberant Nadal expressed his emotions by pumping his fists

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Very happy, it's been a long wait,". "I felt that maybe I wouldn't be back here again ... so, thank you, everyone.

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Alcaraz The No. 3 seed, dominated Sebastian Baez 7-5 7-5, 2-0, when the Argentine player announced that he was unable to continue because of leg cramps or pain.