ARTICLES:

• Nadal is back in the New York groove (via US Open)

“I played a very high level in the first two sets,” Nadal told ESPN’s Darren Cahill on court after the win. “I get tired a little bit in the third set; in these conditions I [suffered], but in the fourth I served well and was able to play aggressive again.”

The match, despite the third-set stumble, was a welcome return for Nadal. All the elements of his “A” game were on display: his movement (making the quick, small steps he needed to step around his backhand and crush muscular, buggywhip forehands); a more offensive, flat serve (routinely hitting 120-mph or better); the cracked backhand struck from inside the baseline; and the deft touch and opportune net finishes.

• Rafael Nadal, Reinvigorated, Subdues a Rising Star (via The New York Times)

But he looked firm and determined Monday. With some terrific net play and typically tenacious defending, Nadal breezed through the first two sets in a little over an hour. Coric showed his talent by winning the third set, but Nadal secured the key break in the fourth.

• US Open 2015 Day 1: Serena and Nadal progress (via Wimbledon)

Nadal appeared far more relaxed on Arthur Ashe than he has seemed all season. Having a destructive base in the shape of his monstrous forehand, the world No.8 was assured in his shot-making and for the best part of four sets was able to dictate.

Forays into the net were well timed and they benefited the Spaniard, winning 16 out of 17 attempts.

• U.S. Open Day 1 after dark: Serena, Nadal advance; Monfils retires (via SI.com)

One potential area of concern: Nadal won just 10 of 28 (36%) of his second serves. The really good news: He converted 72% of his first serves and won 88% of first serve points.

• Rafael Nadal sees off young lion Borna Ćorić at US Open (via The Guardian)
• US Open 2015: Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal reach round two (via BBC)
• Nadal Sees Off Coric Challenge (via ATP World Tour)

• Rafael Nadal’s $775K watch will likely sell out (via CNBC)

But the new timepiece, along with some improvements inspired by Formula One cars, also has a new price: A whopping $775,000.

When asked by CNBC if the price was a little crazy, Nadal responded, “Well, from my point of view, yes. But the real thing is, it’s an investment at the same time. All of these watches are limited editions and Richard Mille is a selective brand. In a couple of years the prices is going to be higher,” he said.

• The Time an 11-Year-Old Took Down Nadal (via New York Times)

“I don’t think he knew who he was playing with,” she said the other day, her steeliness edging out modesty. She is the top-ranked girl in table tennis in the under-15 category in New York State and the sixth-ranked girl in the same category nationwide, according to the United States Table Tennis Association.

“I remember I smashed one,” she said. “He looked really surprised. I mean, he’s not bad, you know.” Later, in a conversation about other well-known people she has faced, she upgraded that assessment, saying he was “somewhat good.”

PHOTOS:

• Shotmaking: Rafael Nadal d. Borna Coric (via tennis.com)
• Night matches in Arthur Ashe Stadium (via US Open)
• Rafael Nadal beats Borna Coric to move into US Open second round

VIDEOS:

• Rafael Nadal’s first-round press conference (via US Open)
• Highlights: Nadal vs Coric (via US Open)
• Nadal Waiting For His Moment (via ATP)
• US Open 2015: world’s top tennis players discuss their chances (via The Guardian)
• Playing Ping Pong With Rafael Nadal (via wsj.com)
• Meet the teen who beat Rafael Nadal at ping-pong (via fox5ny.com)