Rafael Nadal made a powerful return after being a set down in his electric first round match at the U.S. Open against wildcard Rinky Hijikata on Tuesday night.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner took the last three sets to win 4–6, 6–2, 6–3, 6–3 in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The former North Carolina player remained close throughout the match after taking the first set from the Spaniard. The Australian saved four match points in the final game, which also went into seven deuces before Nadal took the final point to advance to the second round.
If Hijikata would have upset Nadal, he would’ve handed the all-time men’s Grand Slam title leader his first U.