Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin del Potro up and running at US Open

Defending champion Rafael Nadal had an easy opening day at the US Open as his opponent David Ferrer was forced to retire midway through their first-round clash.
Three-time US Open champion Nadal won the opening set 6-3, but Ferrer was up a break in the second and leading 4-3 when he had to throw in the towel because of a left calf injury.
Two buddies…@RafaelNadal @DavidFerrer87#USOpen pic.twitter.com/2NtDXIRqrT
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 28, 2018
It marked the end of Ferrer’s major career as the Spaniard is to retire at the end of the year. It was also the first time that the 36-year-old Ferrer was forced to quit midway through a Grand Slam as he had completed his previous 207 matches.
“I’m sad because it’s my last Grand Slam. I was enjoying playing the match against Rafa,” he said.
Nadal will take on Vasek Pospisil in the second round after the Canadian beat Lukas Lacko 7-5, 6-3, 6-2.
“I was playing good. But anyway, I am proud with myself, with my career.”
Juan Martin del Potro also had a relatively comfortable opening match as he beat Donald Young from the United States 6-0, 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 43 minutes.
.@delpotrojuan wraps up a 6-0, 6-3, 6-4 victory to seal his place in R2!https://t.co/GGPuoGRO8N#USOpen pic.twitter.com/9ZT4GnUi17
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 28, 2018
Next up is Denis Kudla, who beat Matteo Berrettini 6-4, 7-5, 6-2.
Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie also booked his place in the second round as he secured a 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Jordan Thompson from Australia.
Latest
-
News
Heather Watson reaping the benefits of hard work at last
The 30-year-old says the paradise location of Hua Hin is helping her find her best tennis.
-
ATP Tour
Boris Becker sends Alexander Zverev stark warning
Alexander Zverev has been given a warning by Boris Becker.
-
Australian Open
Andy Murray weighs in on disappointing Australian Open TV numbers
Andy Murray pointed to the rise in streaming and the opening of new markets as big positives for the game.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal’s 2023 tennis schedule: Where is he competing next and his season so far…
Rafael Nadal’s confirmed and unconfirmed events for the 2023 tennis season.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s 2023 tennis schedule: Where is he competing next and his season so far…
When and where will world No 1 Novak Djokovic play his next tournament?
-
WTA Tour
WTA Tour: ‘Fans have it good on the women’s side’
The WTA Tour promises an incredible ride in 2023.
-
News
ATP confirms it will take no action against Alexander Zverev after domestic abuse investigation
The German was accused of domestic abuse by his former girlfriend, Olya Sharypova, in 2020.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic accused of being a ‘turn-off’ as poor Australian Open viewing figures revealed
Novak Djokovic has been accused of being a turn-off for TV viewers at the Australian Open.
-
Tennis News
Tennis stars of tomorrow: Featuring Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune, Coco Gauff, Emma Raducanu
Annabelle Spiers looks at the new cast of tennis characters for fans to get behind.
-
Tennis News
Top 10 men’s Grand Slam match wins: Novak Djokovic edges closer to Roger Federer
Some of the all-time greats feature on list.