New Delhi: Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal ousted Fabio Fognini by a score of 4-1 in the second round of the US Open 2022 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday, September 02, 2022. Nadal defeated Fognini by 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, 6-1.
The tennis legend overcame a nose injury as he ended up hitting himself with the tennis racket at the close of the event. The 36-year-old was moving to his right when he hit a backhand and his racket deflected off-ground and hit him on the bridge of his nose. Nadal immediately dropped his racket and placed both hands on his head.
The sudden impact led to a loss of blood and the medical team was immediately called for. The match halted for five minutes before resuming. The medic treated and bandaged his nose. However, Nadal had already applied cold water on the wound before the medics arrived.
The opening set began with Nadal losing the match to an aggressive Fognini as the disappointed fans looked on. Fognini made long rallies, aces, and swiftly advanced to the second set with 6-2 against Nadal, who lost five straight points.
The second set had Nadal making a comeback as he dominated the match. Without letting Fognini a breather, Nadal aggressively played his backhand and eventually managed to win his first set 6-4.
Nadal went on to win set three 6-2 and the final set 6-1 as his opponent was devoid of chances in the final two sets of the event. The Spaniard is expected to play against Richard Gasquet in the third round match of the US Open 2022 on Saturday, September 03, 2022, IST.
(Avya Mathur)
