NEW YORK: Spain’s Rafael Nadal faces the first real test of his title defence when he takes on David Nalbandian of Argentina at the US Open on Sunday.
Nadal won his opening round match against Andrey Golubev in straight sets, then got an early mark in his second round clash when Nicolas Mahut retired at the start of the third set. But the world number one knows Nalbandian is a different proposition altogether. The pair have split their four previous meetings.
“For me, he’s a very dangerous opponent. I have had very tough matches against him,” Nadal said.
“He’s a very good player. We know each other really good. We practice a lot together. He’s a good friend. This will be a very good test for me.”
Britain’s Andy Murray is also facing a tough match against Spain’s Feliciano Lopez, the 25th seed.
Murray survived a scare in his second round clash with Robin Haase, fighting back from two sets down to win in five, and said he needs to improve to stay in the championship. “I’m sure in the next match I’ll play better, I’ll strike the ball more consistently and I’ll move better,” said the Scot. (Agencies)
