Rafael Nadal overcomes Fabio Fognini in four sets in US Open second round
Rafael Nadal has not been as dominant as most, yet his fifth-round victory at the US Open took his match points and ensured him a second-round match against French legend Fabio Fognini.
Nadal produced a vintage display to overcome a young, talented and hungry compatriot, losing set after set. He broke Fognini four times in a row to reach the second round before ending the night with a dominant victory over the four-time French Open champion in four sets.
Nadal produced a vintage display to overcome a young, talented and hungry compatriot, losing set after set. He broke Fognini four times in a row to reach the second round before ending the night with a dominant victory over the four-time French Open champion in four sets.
Nadal’s win over the Italian – who has previously dominated at a US Open before losing to Roger Federer – meant his victory also put him through to a second-round meeting against Roger Federer, who won the Australian Open earlier this year. This is Federer’s first US Open appearance since 2007, and Nadal will be hoping to avoid the same fate.
“The victory today was special for me, since this was my first round at a Grand Slam. I want this experience to be my experience at all grand slam events.” – Rafa Nadal
“I needed this. It’s another step forward for my career. I will make every effort to win it next year again.” – Fabio Fognini
It has always been the case that players are never really satisfied with their best. Sometimes it takes time to find new ways of performing and coming up with a new, never before seen quality that can elevate a player to the next level.
It is not always about the Grand Slams though. When Rafael Nadal was asked why he took part in the US Open, the former world number one replied with the following:
“I wanted to perform well and be competitive at the US Open and be competitive in other Grand Slams and make the finals and be able to win.”
Nadal was never