Share Market Daily Writer By Mahesh Limbani Published September 2, 2022
After reaching the third round of the US Open 2022 by beating Fabio Fognini on Thursday night, Rafael Nadal said he hoped to end the year in the top five of the ATP rankings.
In a set and a break loss to Fognini, 36, Nadal, a two-time US Open champion, was slow off the blocks against his 2015 opponent.
In spite of this, the 22-time Major champion won four games in a row to level the match. Nadal reached the third round of the US Open for the 14th time in a row.
The Mallorca native said in his press conference that he hopes to finish in the top five - exceeding expectations after a six-month injury layoff.
A rib fracture, foot injury, and abdominal tear have plagued Nadal's campaign. As of now, he is 37-4 on the year, including 21-0 in Majors, winning titles at the Australian Open and Roland Garros.
Despite Nadal's best efforts, Fognini outplayed him in the first 90 minutes, and he made no apologies for that.
In the end, the four-time US Open champion, as he has done so many times in his illustrious career, seized the right moment to make his comeback.
On Saturday, Rafael Nadal will face Richard Gasquet for a place in the second round. In 17 attempts, including twice at the US Open, the Frenchman has never beaten Nadal.