Rafael Nadal has a rather strong start against Borna Coric. Before this match Rafa had a negative record against the Croatian teenager that defeated him in Basel last year.
This time (US Open 1st round) things got different as the King of Clay had an exceptional start to win the first 2 sets without much trouble (6-3 6-2). Then Rafa’s level went down a bit in the 3rd and that was enough to allow Coric to win the set.
In the 4th set things got “normal” with Rafa earning the decisive break in the 7h game. The match ended 6-3 6-2 4-6 6-4 after 2 hours and 46 minutes.
Nadal: I played a good match, but…
Rafa commented “It is a small thing, but this small loss of energy (in the 3d) is more loss of speed during a match against a player who is a fighter. He is a great player. He is tough, he takes a set.”
Next. vs. Schwartzman
Rafa will play the second round against Diego Schwartzman. Head to head is 1-0 for Rafa and that was a rough 6-2 6-2 in Acapulco 2013.
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