NEW YORK. — Rafael Nadal advanced to the second round of the
US Open Wednesday but a knee injury could hamper his chances of dethroning
top-ranked Roger Federer.
The Spaniard battled through the pain and an inspired
performance by Australian Alun Jones before winning 7-5, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 in a
two-hour, 45-minute affair at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Second seed Nadal hurt his left knee during practice three
days ago and had the trainer wrap the joint after his service was broken by
Jones in the third set for a 3-4 deficit.
"Maybe if I am in another tournament I would never have gone
on the court today," he said.
"But the US Open is a very big tournament for me.
"Two days ago I was much worse. Today I didn’t move much but
I played, so that’s the good news."
The 123rd-ranked Jones had 60 unforced errors in the match
because he refused to take the safe route against the three-time French Open
champion.
Federer eased forward in his bid for a fourth straight title
by defeating Chile’s Paul Capdeville 6-1, 6-4, 6-4, setting up a third-round
showdown with hard-serving American John Isner.
"I’m very happy the way I played," said Federer, who had 45
winners and only 11 unforced errors.
"I think I hit the ball well."
On the women’s side, Belgian top seed Justine Henin needed
just over an hour to defeat Bulgarian qualifier Tsvetana Pironkova 6-4, 6-0 on
a cool, sunny day at the National Tennis Center.
"I just go step by step and try to build my confidence day
after day," the 2003 champion said.
"In a grand slam, you have to be strong, win seven matches.
It’s tough. It’s long."
Former champions Venus and Serena Williams both started
slowly before hitting their stride and winning their second-round matches in
straight sets.
Venus eased past Romanian Ioana Raluca Olaru 6-4, 6-2 while Serena defeated
Italian Maria Elena Camerin 7-5, 6-2.
