US Open 2022: Bloodied Rafael Nadal overcomes tough begin, freak accident to defeat Fabio Fognini

Rafael Nadal is one particular phase closer to profitable his 23rd Grand Slam title right after overcoming a tough get started in the next spherical of the U.S. Open up and a freak incident with his possess racket on Thursday night time to defeat Fabio Fognini in four sets. 

Foremost the fourth established 3-, Nadal promptly dropped his racket and grabbed at his nose right after seemingly hitting himself in the face when his racket ricocheted off the court although making an attempt to return the ball. 

Rafael Nadal, of Spain, just after hitting himself on his nose with his very own racket in the course of his match versus Fabio Fognini, of Italy, in the 2nd spherical of the men's singles at the US Open up at the USTA Billie Jean King Countrywide Tennis Heart on September 01, 2022 in New York Town.  (Frey/TPN/Getty Images)

He laid on the court around his bench even though a coach attended to his bloodied nose, which appeared to be injured close to the bridge, prior to eventually returning immediately after a five-moment delay.

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"It was just a robust hit. At the starting I considered I [broke] it, the nose, for the reason that I was in shock," Nadal advised reporters throughout his write-up match push convention. "It was very agonizing." 

"It appears to be like it can be not [broken], I am not certain but. I think it is receiving even bigger and greater, but it’s just a shock. In some way, I deserved to participate in that negative for a though," Nadal joked of his rough start off. 

Rafael Nadal, of Spain, lies down to obtain clinical remedy on his nose just after hitting himself with his own racket during his match versus Fabio Fognini, of Italy, in the 2nd spherical of the men's singles at the US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King Countrywide Tennis Center on September 01, 2022 in New York Metropolis. (Frey/TPN/Getty Visuals)

"No, just joking. Of training course not. Points [just] occur occasionally." 

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Nadal dropped the first 2-6, ceding the opening established for the next match in a row this week.

"For much more than one hour and a half, I was not competing," the 36-12 months-aged Spainard explained of his functionality. "Just one of the worst starts off, almost certainly, at any time."

His problems ongoing in the next set, but he was joined by Fognini as both of those gamers mixed for 39 unforced mistakes, just nine winners, 7 provider breaks, and only a few holds.

Rafael Nadal, of Spain, hits a backhand versus Fabio Fognini, of Italy, in the 2nd round of the men's singles at the US Open up at the USTA Billie Jean King Countrywide Tennis Middle on September 01, 2022 in New York Town.  (Frey/TPN/Getty Images)

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Momentum shifted in Nadal’s favor in the third, and he closed out the match 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, 6-1. 

"With Nadal, you can not mess all-around," Fognini claimed. "I permit him back again in the match, and he kept finding improved from there."

The G3 Box News contributed to this report.