Rafael Nadal, Naomi Osaka advance to US Open 2nd round

TIL Desk Sports/ Rafael Nadal and Naomi Osaka progressed to the second round of the ongoing US Open after winning their respective opening matches. Three-time champion Nadal hastily opened accounts at the tournament with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Australia”s John Millman on Tuesday at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Spaniard improved to 15-0 in first round matches in New York and 42-6 on the season with the triumph.

“I”m very happy with the victory and very happy to be back in New York,” said Nadal after his win. “The first match is always a little bit new. Even if I”ve played here many times, the beginnings are not easy. The serve worked well tonight and while my backhand wasn”t as good as it can be, I am very happy.

“Meanwhile, in women”s singles, defending champion Osaka overcame the second set slump to take down the unseeded Anna Blinkova of Russia in three sets and advanced into the second round of the tournament. The victory didn”t come easily, however, as the top seed had to dig deep to claim victory at 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-2.