Rafael Nadal has progressed to the second round at the US Open after straight sets victory over 27-year-old Dusan Lajovic.
It was not going to plan for Rafa in the first few games of the match. Lajovic, who did not look like much of a threat on paper, served for the first set but Nadal broke back to love. That was the moment when we knew Rafa will relax much more, step up his game, freed himself from nerves and start moving quicker. He won 7-6(6), 6-2, 6-2 in two hours and sixteen minutes.
After the match, Rafa said:
I was just trying to be there. It was tough at the beginning, he was playing well and not making many mistakes. At the end of that first set it was important. And then I played the tie-break well. I’m very happy. I need to keep improving. Always the first round is never easy. Playing indoors. Always at the beginning you want to do it well. There is a lot of noise out here when the roof is closed. Big change. At the beginning it is a little strange, but it is a good call. (via The Guardian)
He has never lost in the first round of US Open and with today’s win his record is 13-0.
Rafa will now face either Taro Daniel or Tommy Paul in round two.
Aug. 29, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images
Aug. 29, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images
Rafael Nadal of Spain warms-up in the hallway before entering Arthur Ashe Stadium to take on Dusan Lajovic of Serbia in their first round Men’s Singles match on Day Two during the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2017 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: Chris Trotman/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal’s girlfriend Xisca Perello watches him play against Dusan Lajovic of Serbia & Montenegro on Day Two of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal’s girlfriend Xisca Perello watches him play against Dusan Lajovic of Serbia & Montenegro on Day Two of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images North America)
Aug. 29, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images
Aug. 29, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images
Aug. 29, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images
Aug. 29, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images
Aug. 29, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images
Aug. 29, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images
Aug. 29, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images
Aug. 29, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images
Aug. 29, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images
Aug. 29, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images
Aug. 29, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images
Aug. 29, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images
Aug. 29, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images
Aug. 29, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images
Aug. 29, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images
Aug. 29, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images
Aug. 29, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Dusan Lajovic of Serbia & Montenegro during their first round Men’s Singles match on Day Two of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images North America)
Aug. 29, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images
Aug. 29, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Dusan Lajovic of Serbia & Montenegro during their first round Men’s Singles match on Day Two of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Dusan Lajovic of Serbia & Montenegro during their first round Men’s Singles match on Day Two of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images North America)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal serves to Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic during their Qualifying Men’s Singles match at the 2017 US Open Tennis Tournament on August 29, 2017 in New York. / AFP PHOTO / Eduardo Munoz Alvarez (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Dusan Lajovic of Serbia & Montenegro during their first round Men’s Singles match on Day Two of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Dusan Lajovic of Serbia & Montenegro during their first round Men’s Singles match on Day Two of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts to a set point against Dusan Lajovic of Serbia in their first round Men’s Singles match on Day Two during the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2017 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: Chris Trotman/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts to a set point against Dusan Lajovic of Serbia in their first round Men’s Singles match on Day Two during the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2017 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: Chris Trotman/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain changes shirts during a break against Dusan Lajovic of Serbia & Montenegro during their first round Men’s Singles match on Day Two of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain adjusts his headband during a break against Dusan Lajovic of Serbia & Montenegro during their first round Men’s Singles match on Day Two of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain changes shirts during a break against Dusan Lajovic of Serbia & Montenegro during their first round Men’s Singles match on Day Two of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Dusan Lajovic of Serbia & Montenegro during their first round Men’s Singles match on Day Two of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Dusan Lajovic of Serbia & Montenegro during their first round Men’s Singles match on Day Two of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Dusan Lajovic of Serbia & Montenegro during their first round Men’s Singles match on Day Two of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Dusan Lajovic of Serbia & Montenegro during their first round Men’s Singles match on Day Two of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Dusan Lajovic of Serbia & Montenegro during their first round Men’s Singles match on Day Two of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after defeating Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic during their 2017 US Open Men’s Singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on August 29, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Jewel SAMAD (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates defeating Dusan Lajovic of Serbia & Montenegro after their first round Men’s Singles match on Day Two of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal’s girlfriend Xisca Perello watches him play against Dusan Lajovic of Serbia & Montenegro on Day Two of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal’s girlfriend Xisca Perello watches him play against Dusan Lajovic of Serbia & Montenegro on Day Two of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates defeating Dusan Lajovic of Serbia & Montenegro during their first round Men’s Singles match on Day Two of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images North America)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after defeating Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic during their 2017 US Open Men’s Singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on August 29, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Jewel SAMAD (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates defeating Dusan Lajovic of Serbia & Montenegro after their first round Men’s Singles match on Day Two of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates defeating Dusan Lajovic of Serbia & Montenegro after their first round Men’s Singles match on Day Two of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: Abbie Parr/Getty Images North America)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts after defeating Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic during their 2017 US Open Men’s Singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on August 29, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Jewel SAMAD (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates defeating Dusan Lajovic of Serbia & Montenegro after their first round Men’s Singles match on Day Two of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 28, 2017 – Source: Abbie Parr/Getty Images North America)
Vamosssssssssssssssss Rafa you play so good last night so proud of you remember thi year is your 2017 naw you are Number 1-vamossssssssssss all the way love your fans for ever🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🇺🇸❤️❤️❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
ALL COMMENTS WERE SO RIGHT I AGREE MOYA BACK WIITH RAFA/ EXCELLENT , BEST OF LUCK DARLING BOY VAMOOSXXXXXXXXXXX
Rafa thanks for the straight sets win….
I want to thank more of admin who gave us more pleasure with more photos this time after a long time….. Vamosssssss Rafa
Keep going Champ
what time will rafa play us open third round on thursday 8/31…thanks
Rafa did look a little uneasy. He played some great fantastic shots with ease. Dusan played very very well . Guys who are 60- 70 etc are no pushovers. But post first set Rafa raised his game & was marvellous to watch . He is God’s miracle to tennis. Love his rasping FH shots . Great to see his full family too . Rafa rocks . Cheerios
Straight sets victory and that is first hurdle completed successfully. Rafa stayed calm when the going was tough. Good to get to play under the closed roof as it presents a different challenge. So much noise too.
All support for Rafa, lovely to see his family, Maria and friends in his box. His Dad appears to have a lot of fun in him.
It will be interesting to see how the schedule pans out with so many cancellations due to the we weather.
Support for our champion.
Thanks for super selection of photographs.
I couldn’t be prouder of 19-year-old American F. Tiafoe who took Fed to five sets. FIVE SETS👏👍💪🤗
Rafa, I am wishing you stay energized, full of fight, and ambitious as ever. Here’s to smooth sailing. Please stay away from the five-setters because I want you fresh for the final🤗🎾
RAFA ROCKS 150%
Yes, a nervous start by Rafa and Lajovic threw everything at him in the first set. Once Rafa got the measure of him there was only going to be one winner! I hope Rafa’s future matches are not under the roof, as he clearly feels less comfortable in an indoor type of environment.
Take a one match at a time .Champ don’t give such scares.
Vamos
Rafa from all accounts you did well in the second and third sets, so that is the important thing.
I am pleased to know that
uncle Toni and Carlos and Maria and Dad are all there to encourage you and cheer you on, as that is really important for you to have at all times.
All the best for the next match.
Love and prayers,
AlaineXXSydneyXXAustraliaXX
Good luck
Rafa, as always I am too nervous when I watch your match. I keep praying for you. Ok know you can make it, no doubt. Love you and good lock.
It was some good fortune that Rafa had to play under the roof today although he does not like a closed court. However he needs some practice for playing under the roof before he meets some of the tougher players ( especially Fed who plays extremely well in these circumstances.)
A few wins under the roof will give Rafa more confidence especially if he meets Fed on a wet day.
S0 happy to see Moya there with Uncle Toni too. They seem to represent security to Rafa.and Moya in particular seems to calm those nerves somewhat’
Congrats Rafa good luck next Mach vamosssssssssssssssss Champ 🎾🎾🎾🎾👍👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸❤️❤️❤️❤️🏆
Vamos Rafa
Slow start in to the tournament. But that’s ok. Rafa won and he will be better in the next round. Vamos champ.
Well done, Rafa! Not that I was nervous for you – a few games to settle down and get into the groove, then it looked pretty straightforward. Onwards and upwards, my friend! Supporting you all the way.
Me alegro d k todo haya teinado bien y a favor d ti….y tu como siempre sabiendo resolver tus problemas.r ..enhorabuena por tu capacidad mental…ADELANTE!!!!!
Well done Rafa👍👏🏻 This win will surely give you confidence going forward. You definitely need to make few adjustments quickly especially with the return. Today some of your returns were dropping too short. Anyway as you always take one match at a time, just relax and prepare well for your 2nd round. We are all with you. Vamos!!
Congrats Rafa 😘👏🏻
Phew! – Kinda scary first set, but you did it 🎾💪🏼😃
VAMOS CHAMP!! – The best of luck in the next round ❤️🍀
Congrats-enjoy 🗽Stay tough-looking great in that colour💕
Yes Rafa, I was holding my breath in the first set. [Actually, I was agonizing.] Thrilled that you came back as you did to win the match.👏🎾💪👍
RAFA ROCKS THE US OPEN
Rafa as it was shown at 3am in the morning and I had to get up early I decided to tape the game. However I had to look up the results before I actually watched the recording as I was so afraid. Can’t tell you how happy and relieved I was that you came through. Now please go on to win especially as Federer had a bad five setter. You CAN beat him, have FAITH in yourself. Love you and praying for you.