NEW YORK—Rafael Nadal overcame a horrid start and a bloody nose to beat Fabio Fognini 2–6, 6–4, 6–2 6–1 and reach the third round of the U.S Open on Thursday.
The veteran Italian came out flying to build a set and a 4–2 lead as Nadal struggled to find a rhythm, raising the possibility of an upset like the one Fognini memorably pulled off against the Spaniard at Arthur Ashe Stadium seven years ago.
Momentum shifted in Nadal’s favor in the third set when he raced down an overhead and crushed a forehand down the line to break Fognini and take a 4–2 lead….