Rafael Nadal drops first set but rallies to defeat Rinky Hijikata at US Open 2017
Rafa Nadal started the 2017 US Open Series by defeating Marcel Granollers in straight sets in the fourth round of the tournament. Nadal took the first set in 63 minutes. After breaking Granollers twice, Nadal extended the first set to 8-7 in the tiebreak. Granollers broke again and was serving at 7-4 in the third set. Nadal held his serve and then pulled away in the fourth set. Nadal was up 6-1 in the third set tiebreak and then broke Granollers in the ninth game to take the set.
Nadal won his fifth major title and first since 2014 to set up a showdown with World No. 2 Roger Federer and third seed Rafael Nadal in the final. The final was tied at 1-1 after the opening set, but Nadal won in the tiebreak.
Rafael Nadal broke down in tears and could barely keep his composure because he knew he had to play with his heart and not with his mind. He was forced to wait for two long years to get a Grand Slam title back. Now, he is just happy to bring back his beloved win.
Djokovic looks at the camera smiling as he hits return to his opponent to take the first set at the US Open.
He went on to lose the second set in only 25 minutes. He could not make a break in the second set and could only serve for the second set at 3-3.
But he had done all he could do and was grateful for the opportunity of reaching the final. He also acknowledged his opponent.
“Well thank you so much, it was such a big honour to represent my country at this tournament. I hope it will be a good tournament for the fans. I really appreciate it.”
“It was a good match. I’m happy to be in the final. The match was great. It was a really fun match, as it could be,” he said.
“Tomorrow we have a great match, we’ll see who is the winner and in addition, I had a great match against Murray. I’m looking forwards to tomorrow,” Djokovic added.
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