Share

Nadal faces Daniel at US Open

New York - World No 1 Rafael Nadal's quest for a 16th grand slam title will face a fresh test when he battles Japan's Taro Daniel in the pair's first-ever meeting at the US Open on Thursday.

Nadal got off to a sluggish start in his first-round match and needed a tie-breaker to capture the opening set against 85th-ranked Serbian Dusan Lajovic on Tuesday. 

The Spaniard, who is renowned for his strict on-court routines, complained about the noise of the rowdy audience at his match, the din amplified by the closed roof on Arthur Ashe Stadium to protect the players from rain. 

The 31-year-old Spaniard ultimately settled down to dispatch Lajovic 7-6(6) 6-2 6-2 but may need a better effort to advance past the 24-year-old Daniel. 

Nadal should be fresher than his Japanese opponent, who will be working on short rest after defeating American Tommy Paul in five sets on Wednesday with Daniel edging the seesaw first-round battle 6-1 4-6 4-6 6-2 6-2. 

With no rain forecast, the $100 million roof that contributed to Nadal's annoyance in the first round should be wide open. 

Should Nadal complete an expected victory on Thursday, he will move one step closer to a possible showdown against long-standing rival, No 3 seed Roger Federer. 

The tournament's two best-known players could meet for their first ever US Open clash if they make it as far as the semi-finals, adding to a series that Nadal leads 23-14 in head-to-head encounters since their first in 2004.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2244 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE