RAFAEL NADAL KING OF TENNIS

2017 US Open R2 Rafael Nadal bt. Taro Daniel  4/6 6/3 6/2 6/2

Next opponent - Leo Mayer

Q. A bit of a slow start today, but you got the job done in the end. What would you attribute that slow start to? Where do you feel you struggled?

RAFAEL NADAL: Yeah, of course, there is nerves there at the beginning. Yeah, when you have some nerves, when you don't convert Love-30s, couple Love-30s in a row, 15-30s, then some breakpoints, you arrive to 4-All. The opponent, very first breakpoint, he make it. Well, he make it? Of course, I miss it. Yeah, you feel one set down. Then, of course, you play under more pressure. ... Read more »

2017 US Open R1 Rafael Nadal bt. Dusan Lajovic  7/6(6) 6/2 6/2

Q. Difficult first set but then you seemed to find your rhythm and pace and got through it pretty easily the second two. Talk about the match and where things began to turn for you.

RAFAEL NADAL: Yeah, tough beginning of the match. Some nerves, obviously, after a week here practicing well, I think. I was practicing, I think, every day at very high level, no? Today I didn't play at that high level, but just like this, important thing is I won, and I have one more day to keep practicing and another chance to play better the next day, no?

Yeah, the important thing is win, because is normal that you have some nerves at the beginning and you get a little bit tight at the beginning of the tournament. So important thing is be through, and that's what I did today, no? Tough start but then I played better, of course. ... Read more »

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Q. What are your thoughts about being the No. 1 seed?

RAFAEL NADAL: No, no, no, being No. 1 seed, yeah, is good to be No. 1 of the world again, of course. I think it's a good achievement after three years having some troubles. So just happy for that.

Yes, no, just excited to start the US Open. Doesn't matter if you are seeded 1 or seeded 20. No, for me always is special to play here in a tournament that I had success, a tournament that I enjoyed a lot of good matches, and a tournament that normally I have a great connection with the crowd. ... Read more »