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It was a long wait for Spanish ace Rafael Nadal, but the four-time US Open champion found his rhythm at this year's Grand Slam at the Flushing Meadows and defeated Australian wildcard Rinky Hijikata on Tuesday to advance to the second round. The 22-time Grand Slam winner, who competed for the first time since he won the 2019 title, triumphed 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 over his 198th-ranked opponent to register his 65th career win in New York.
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"It's been a long wait. For some time, I thought I might not be able to be back, so I am super happy. Night sessions in New York are the best," Nadal said following the win. "I just have to be humble and accept the process, day after day in practices and matches and stay positive," he added.
WATCH: Nadal says 'super happy' to be back in New York
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The 36-year-old, chasing a 23rd Grand Slam title and third of 2022, will face a tough challenge against Italian Fabio Fognini, who rallied from two sets down against Nadal in New York in 2015. The Spaniard leads the pair's ATP Head2Head series 13-4.
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Hijikata, playing in his first Grand Slam match, unexpectedly broke for a 4-3 advantage and won the first set in the tenth game with the help of 11 courageous winners. However, Nadal soon recovered, levelling the match with breaks in the second and eighth games of the second set.