Rafael Nadal was put on the defensive after his US Open first round win over Rinky Hijikata on Tuesday night.
After losing the first set to the Australian wildcard, Nadal rallied back to win the match 4-6 6-2 6-3 6-3.
Having survived an on-court scare, the Spaniard was then probed by a journalist post-match about the serve clock rule.
Every player must serve within 25 seconds of the previous point and the likes of John McEnroe have previously suggested Nadal regularly breaks the rule without being punished.
Asked whether such claims could tarnish his legacy, Nadal looked to laugh off the question and admitted timing is something he struggles with but stressed he’s never received preferential treatment.
“I think it’s a joke. I went through a lot of warnings in my tennis career, never for breaking a racquet…but yes for the time clock,” Nadal said in his post-match press conference.
“I have a problem that I am sweating a lot when you are playing during these humid conditions.
“We have the biggest problem today that is we don’t have the ball boys bringing the towel to you for the last couple of years so you have to go to the farthest place on the court for the towel.
“So the problem for me and players that sweat so much is that you know when you go to pick up the towel you’re going to be in trouble with the time so I’m not going very often.
“I don’t think I have a different treatment from the umpires at all. I am following the rules and if I am having more than 25 seconds I receive a warning every single time.”
HOLY MATCH POINT RAFA pic.twitter.com/sHsyYmPBAK
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 31, 2022
Nadal was only playing his second match in 50 days against Hijikata and he showed some early rust at Arthur Ashe Stadium but believes the three-hour match will serve him well moving forward.
“A tough match. I think I started not too bad the first couple of games but then I had some opportunities that I was not able to make it,” Nadal said.
“So he had the break and I was a little bit nervous. I went through this tough moment but think I played better, it wasn’t perfect…
“I had been practicing quite well all week but playing is a different story. It’s not easy. At the beginning I don’t think I made my opportunities. My opponent did it very well for a while and it was a tough battle for three hours.
“You need to be humble enough to go through this and know that you need to fight.”
While Hijikata was ultimately overpowered by Nadal, the 21-year-old Aussie showed plenty of potential in his first Grand Slam singles appearance.
Winning the first set against Rafa Nadal on your Grand Slam debut 💪
6-4 to 🇦🇺 Rinky Hijikata #USOpen pic.twitter.com/ZjAJLpDJGZ
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) August 31, 2022
Though Nadal was hesitant to heap too much praise on his young opponent, the veteran believes Hijikata has the ability to be a Grand Slam regular.
“I didn’t see him play much but it looks like he’s able to do a lot of things well. Serving well, taking the ball early, he’s very fast.” Nadal said of Hijikata.
“We need give him some time to see how he evolves. It’s difficult to analyse an opponent in one day. I don’t want to create an opinion or something…
“I think he has good talent, good potential so let’s give him some time. His ranking has improved a lot this past year so let’s see. He’s young enough and I see him on the tour without a doubt.”
Hits: 0
