Rafael Nadal has hit back at comments from John McEnroe suggesting he is treated differently when it comes to the time he takes between points after his opening win at the US Open.
The former world No.1 overcame an early scare to defeat Australia’s Rinky Hijikata 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3, in what was only his second match in 50 days. Nadal missed a chunk of the summer Tour due to an abdominal injury which forced him out of Wimbledon. In his latest clash, the Spaniard hit a total of 43 winners against 22 unforced errors and didn’t drop his serve in the last three sets.
“I think I started not that bad the first couple of games, but then I had some opportunities that I was not able to make,” said Nadal.
“I think I didn’t play a good game with my serve. Then he had the break. Then I was a little bit nervous. My first match here in New York after three years, night session, it’s always exciting. I went through this tough moment but then I think I played better. It was not perfect but I’m happy.”
Nadal extends his unbeaten run in Grand Slam tournaments this season to 20 straight matches, excluding the Wimbledon semi-final he withdrew from due to injury. He is also on the verge of returning to world No.1 when the US Open concludes during a season which has also had its challenges.
“I’m having an amazing year in terms of results, but at the same time a tough year because I went through the foot (injury), stress fracture on the rib and then the tear in the abdomen. A lot of things has been going on during the last six months and a half, seven months,” he said.
Whilst taking positives from his opening win in New York, where he is playing for the first time since 2019, a reporter caught Nadal off guard during his press conference. Citing remarks from John McEnroe, he was asked if he thought accusations that officials allow him to take longer than the allotted time of 25 seconds between points will leave a shadow on his legacy.
“I think it’s a joke,” Nadal said of the rule.
“I went through a lot of warnings during my tennis career. Never for breaking a racquet, never for doing a mess on the court. But for the time clock.’
“I have a problem that I am sweating a lot. When you are playing during these very humid conditions, we have the biggest problem today, that is we don’t have the ballboys bringing the towel to you for the last couple of years. You have to go to the farthest place of the court to take the towel.”
Challenged further, Nadal was then asked if there should be a different rule for him because he sweats a lot. Prompting him to blast those remarks.
“I never said that. I am following the rules. If I am having more than 25 seconds, I receive a warning every single time. If not, check the clock,” he said.
Nadal, who says he will speak to McEnroe about his remarks, plays Italy’s Fabio Fognini in the second round.
