WATCH: Nadal elevates US Open prep with Arthur Ashe session

August 22, 2022

ATP Tennis Players, Rafa Nadal, Tennis News, US Open Tennis

WATCH: Rafael Nadal elevates US Open preparation with Arthur Ashe session

Rafael Nadal is among the first pros to find their feet on the practice court at the US Open, with the four-time champion in New York doing so on tennis’ biggest stage.

After the 22-time Major champion was ousted in Cincinnati by eventual champion Borna Coric he was left with just one match ahead of the last Slam of the year.

And Nadal is making sure to get as much preparation as possible at Flushing Meadows, taking to Arthur Ashe Stadium the day of the final in Cincinnati.

Hola Rafa! 👋🏼 #USOpenTennis @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/txRPVMPM2g
— Delfina Novillo (@DelfiNovillo) August 21, 2022

After missing the Covid-restricted 2020 event plus the 2021 tournament through injury, Nadal will compete in New York for the first time since his 2019 triumph come next week.

That 2019 title was the Spaniard’s 19th Slam, one which saw him to within one crown of rival Roger Federer.

Both he and Novak Djokovic have since surpassed the Swiss, holding 22 and 21 Major trophies respectively.

With Alexander Zverev all but confirmed to not be playing in New York, Nadal is set to be seeded second at the Slam behind world number one and defending champion Daniil Medvedev.

Should Nadal claim a fifth US Open title, he would match Federer and the great Pete Sampras for the men’s Open Era record of most titles at the American Slam.