Rafael Nadal sends US Open threat to Daniil Medvedev despite early Cincinnati defeat
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Rafael Nadal has vowed to be "ready" for his first US Open appearance 2019 as the Spaniard attempts to become world No 1 for the first time in over two years. Nadal is currently ranked at No 3 but has his sights set on extending his run at the summit after spending 209 weeks as the top-ranked player in men’s tennis in his career.
The 36-year-old made his return from an abdominal injury that ruled him out of the Wimbledon semi-final against Nick Kyrgios at the Western and Southern Open this week — his first appearance at the tournament in five years.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner could have risen to the top of the ATP Rankings if he had won the tournament in Cincinnati and Daniil Medvedev only reached the quarter-finals. However, a 7-6 (9), 4-6, 6-3 defeat at the hands of Borna Coric in the first round cut short his attempts to get in some much-needed on-court practice ahead of the US Open on August 29.
But Nadal - a three-time champion at Flushing Meadows - is now looking ahead to his return to New York after missing the last two US Opens through injury, which left him unable to defend his 2019 title, and he is determined to be in optimum condition ahead of his return.
