Rafael Nadal defeated a very small Argentine Diego Schwartzman in the second round to reach the US Open third round. Regardless of his lack of size, 5 ft 7 in Schwartzman presented a difficult challenge for eight seed Nadal and took the opening set to a tiebreaker. The world number 74 built a 5-3 lead, only for Nadal to raise his game and take it 7-5.
Schwartzman continued to make it difficult for Nadal in the second set by breaking serve for an early 2-0 lead. New York fans praised Nadal for winning his second round match against Schwartzman.
Rafael Nadal forced another break
Nadal forced another break back in the seventh game for a 4-3 lead before breaking once more to take the set 6-3.
Despite failing to convert any of three points at the start of the third set, Schwartzman wasn’t going out without a fight. Later, the 23 year old broke to lead 3-2.
Nadal fought back once again, leveling at 4-4 and finally controlled his confident opponent, with a break in the 12th game, he managed to win 7-6 (5), 6-3, 7-5.
In his third round, Nadal will meet with Italy’s Fabio Fognini.
