US Open: Rafael Nadal claims straight-sets victory over Denis Istomin in first round
Tuesday 30 August 2016 08:28, UK
Rafael Nadal is up and running at the US Open after a straight-sets win in the first round against Denis Istomin.
The 14-time Grand Slam winner won 6-1 6-4 6-2, overcoming a brief wobble in the second set to confirm his progression into the second round.
Uzbekistan's Istomin threatened to make things difficult in the second set when, for the first time, he broke Nadal's serve but the Spaniard swiftly hit back. A brilliant forehand pass down the line helped Nadal re-establish control in the third set and the two-time US Open winner eventually cruised over the finishing line.
It was a welcome return to the Grand Slam scene for Nadal who missed Wimbledon with a wrist injury, the latest in a series of physical issues that have prevented him winning a major in the past two years.
Elsewhere, the 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic also eased into the next round after a 6-4 7-5 6-1 against Rogerio Dutra Silva.
Cilic had recently beaten Andy Murray in the Cincinnati final but oddly posted 24 unforced errors against Silva compared to just 23 winners.
John Isner narrowly avoided a massive shock by eventually beating 18-year-old Frances Tiafoe in a fifth set tie-break.
The 20th seed was extended beyond comfort by his fellow American until finally claiming a 3-6 4-6 7-6 6-2 7-6 win on the first men's match on the new Grandstand court at Flushing Meadows.
