Rafael Nadal overcomes Fabio Fognini in four sets in US Open second round
Rafael Nadal (R) of Spain reacts after losing in the fourth set to Fabien Fognini (L) of France during their men’s singles first round match at the US Open in New York on Monday June 14, 2015. (Photo: Alex Goodlett / AP Photo)
Rafael Nadal outlasted Fabio Fognini in the second round of the US Open today, defeating the Frenchman 6-4, 7-6 at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens.
The Spaniard held serve throughout the match and needed just five points against Fognini through his service games.
After enduring a shaky start as Fognini broke early in the second, Nadal broke back to take the opening set and held Fognini to one break point before saving the set.
Nadal also broke Fognini twice in the third set, including a break point in the fourth game to take the set.
Fabio Fognini served to deuce in the final game of the match and lost the first set in just 14 minutes. Nadal’s victory in the second set, however, was much more physical as Fognini was unable to make any break points in the opening set.
Nadal faces a bigger task in the third round, against eighth-seeded Dominic Thiem. The German is a winner in four sets this season against other top players on the ATP Tour.
Nadal and Thiem will play the last match on Thursday, June 18, at the U.S. Cellular Arena in Flushing Meadows.
Nadal faces another challenge on Thursday with a tough match against eighth-seeded Dominic Thiem. The German is a winner in four sets this season against other top players on the ATP Tour.
The Spaniard is scheduled to face Thiem on Thursday, June 18, at the U.S. Cellular Arena in Flushing Meadows, Queens, for a men’s singles second round match.
Nadal is seeking to go back-to-back in his US Open career, a feat accomplished by four different players — Andre Agassi, Roy Emerson, Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer.
The 24-year-