Rafael Nadal continued his dominance of Andreas Seppi with a straight-sets win in the US Open second round. He made it six straight wins over Seppi, recording a 6-0 7-5 6-1 victory on a history-making night at Flushing Meadows.
Rain in New York meant the roof on Arthur Ashe Stadium was closed for the first time, but it had little impact on Rafa.
Rafa dominated the first set before Seppi fought back briefly in the second, only to be broken as he looked to force a tie-break in the 12th game. An early break in the third sent Rafa on his way as he set up a meeting with Russian Andrey Kuznetsov.
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Rafael Nadal, of Spain, challenges a call during a match against Andreas Seppi, of Italy, during the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Rafael Nadal, of Spain, runs into the chair of Andreas Seppi, of Italy, while winning the first set of their match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Rafael Nadal, of Spain, looks up at light rain during a match against Andreas Seppi, of Italy, during the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Rafael Nadal, of Spain, watches as the roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium is closed during light rain in a match against Andreas Seppi, of Italy, during the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
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Alex Goodlett/Getty Images
Alex Goodlett/Getty Images
Alex Goodlett/Getty Images
Alex Goodlett/Getty Images
Alex Goodlett/Getty Images
Alex Goodlett/Getty Images
Alex Goodlett/Getty Images
Alex Goodlett/Getty Images
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after defeating Andreas Seppi of Italy during his second round Men’s Singles match on Day Three of the 2016 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 31, 2016 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 30, 2016 – Source: Alex Goodlett/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal, of Spain, reacts after defeating Andreas Seppi, of Italy, 6-0, 7-5, 6-1 during the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Rafael Nadal, left, of Spain, shakes hands with Andreas Seppi, of Italy, after Nadal’s 6-0, 7-5, 6-1 win at the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after defeating Andreas Seppi of Italy during his second round Men’s Singles match on Day Three of the 2016 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 31, 2016 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 30, 2016 – Source: Alex Goodlett/Getty Images North America)
Source: Yahoo Sports
Was a great match but can anyone tell me whether when in his interview Rafa was asked to try to hit the roof did he make it! The TV company where I live decided to show other matches!
It was at the end of his interview. John McEnroe had apparently suggested it. Try YouTube, they usually post Rafa’s interviews. It was Rafa’s on-court interview, after his second match.
No – he had a go, but didn’t hit the roof! Just smiled and said “no not possible for me!”
RIDICULOUSLY HAPPY ABOUT YOUR WIN!!!!! VAMOS, RAFA!!!! YOU CAN GO all the way!!!!!
Great match, Rafa. Enjoyed every moment. You look lean and healthy and confident…..wishing you good luck and the very best on your future matches! Fondly…..Linda
Woke up at 3am Rafa 6-0 5-5… just in time to see him go on a good run to end the match.
Onwards and upwards Rafa, keep fighting!
Congrats RAFA, unto the next one.
RAFA fan forever
Love a bit of swagger….
Great match Rafa! So happy! Vamos Rafa <3 <3
I WAS UNABLE TO WATCH THE MATCH BUT GOOD NEWS, YOUR LOOKING VERY GOOD AND HEALTHY SO VAMOSS RAFA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rafa the descriptions above sound as though Rafa played a great game.
All the best for your next games,
love and prayers,
AlaineXXSydneyXXAustraliaXX
Looks as if Rafa is back. Just so enjoyable!
In spite of the fact that he has a cold or the flu Rafa looks more like the Rafa of old on the court.
I hope he can go deep into the tournament . But win or lose I will support him all the way.
Totally agree with Beverley’s comments
Go Rafa go one match at a time
Live in Scotland sat up late to watch this would not have missed it
Vamos.
WHAT A DIFFERENCE in Rafas game compared to the first round 😆😅. He placed his shots much better. He felt like old style Rafa. He was looking great out there, even if he was still caughing. I am delighted, so far. I had been able to really, really enjoy this match. That atmosphere in NYC night sessions… Staying awake and watching at until 6 am in the morning felt so wonderfully crazy…
Vamos and thank you, Rafa for hours like this. Love you.