Rafael Nadal battled through to the US Open third round on Friday, with a 6-0 3-6 6-3 6-4 triumph over Germany's Nicolas Kiefer.
No. 3 seed fails to produce his best form but still progresses
Former world number one Rafael Nadal battled through to the US Open third round on Friday, with a 6-0 3-6 6-3 6-4 triumph over Germany's Nicolas Kiefer.
The six-time Grand Slam winner looked rusty following his long injury lay-off and, though he played cleanly, making only 22 unforced errors, 38 fewer than Kiefer, he still struggled at times.
After a strong first set, the Spaniard allowed his level of play to drop in the second before rediscovering his rhythm to go on and seal victory.
"Was a very good practice for me, no?" Nadal said after the match. "It was a very good test."
Kiefer certainly noticed a difference and was disappointed to let a good opportunity slip away.
"He was getting a little bit tired. I could see it, I could feel it. He didn't move so good," Kiefer said. "But at the end of the day, it doesn't count if you play good or bad. A win is a win, a loss is a loss.
"Today was the first time where I was really thinking that I can beat him though."
Fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro is next up for Nadal after the 32nd seed overcame American Robby Ginepri 6-7 (7-9) 6-2 6-3 4-6 6-4.
Chile's Fernando Gonzalez also advanced thanks to a 6-4 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 6-4 triumph over Frenchman Josselin Ouanna.
Eighteenth seed David Ferrer was not so fortunate, however, and was ousted 6-3 3-6 1-6 6-3 6-2 by Argentine Jose Acasuso.
