Nadal overpowers a resilient Hijikata to reach the second round at US Open

Four-time champion Rafael Nadal was made to work in his first round match at the US Open, fighting past Australian Rinky Hijikata to win his first match in New York after a three year absence.

The Spaniard overcame a sluggish start to record a 4-6 6-2 6-3 6-3 victory over his opponent, becoming increasingly confident as the match wore on. Hijikata stunned the crowd on Arthur Ashe stadium as the World No.198 played some superb tennis to break Nadal in the seventh game, before closing out the first set to the surprise of the raucous crowd.

Nonetheless, Nadal rediscovered the form that has seen him capture numerous titles in his illustrious career. The 22-time Grand Slam champion employed his trademark forehand to maneuver Hijikata around the court, as he hit 43 winners to only 22 unforced errors. Furthermore, the Mallorcan was aggressive when approaching the net, winning 70% of those points.

After seizing the subsequent two sets, Nadal looked set to run away with the third. However, some brilliant play from his Australian opponent made life slightly difficult for the 36-year old. Regardless, it was Nadal who closed out the match after three hours and 8 minutes, hitting a sizzling forehand passing shot winner after Hijikata had saved a couple of match points.

Nadal will face veteran Fabio Fognini in the second round, with the Italian recording a five-set victory over the former World No.1 when they last met at Flushing Meadows in 2015.