Rafael Nadal admits fears of retiring after winning on US Open return

Rafael Nadal admitted he was unsure if he would have played the US Open again after his last appearance at Flushing Meadows in 2019. The Spaniard returned to the hallowed count during the session. Tuesday night with a fight performance but explained his fear of retirement after his last victory.

Nadal saved a surprise loss to 21-year-old joker Rinky Hijkata after falling behind at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, conceding the only break point opportunity in the first set. The resurgence of the four-time US Open champion helped him win a 4-6 6-2 6-3 6-3 over opponent Australia, ranked 198th in the world, as his quest for a 23rd Grand Slam started.

Nadal was playing his first US Open match since defeating Daniil Medvedev in a memorable five-set affair to claim his fourth and final crown of 2019. And after advancing to the second round, where he will face the Italian Fabio Fognini, the 36-year-old admitted he previously feared having made his last appearance in the competition.

He said: "Yeah, [I'm] very happy. [It's been] a long wait [since my last match at the US Open]. For a while I thought I couldn't. maybe not come back. I'm super happy. The night sessions here in New York are the best. I can't thank everyone enough. I haven't played much in the last 50 days, only one game I think.

JUST IN: Rafael Nadal avoids US Open clash against world No. 198 in first round

"It's about being humble enough to accept the process, to build the positive things day after day in training and today in the game. To have a game of three hours and eight minutes against a tough opponent , so it's a time to survive and stay positive.

“Just accept things as they happen. Stay positive, keep the right attitude. Tomorrow is another day to practice. The day after tomorrow another opportunity. , and I am here to do my best every day."

READ MORE: Raducanu loses US Open match as title defense falls at first hurdle

READ MORE Emma Raducanu explains why she is "happy" after her loss at the US Open

Nadal's preparations for the US Open were less than ideal after he withdrew from his Wimbledon semi-final against Nick Kyrgios with an abdominal injury in July. He lost his only hard-court match in three sets to Borna Coric at the Cincinnati Masters, and there was an even bigger upset on the cards in New York after Hijkata ran ahead.

However, the world number three sealed the comeback triumph with an explosive forehand on his fifth match point. Given that he has no ranking points to defend, Nadal, one of four players who could finish the US Open as the best tennis player in the world, is potentially in a privileged position to return to the top. of the tree in September.