Rafael Nadal felt little difference with the closed Arthur Ashe Stadium roof during his win over Andreas Seppi at the US Open.
The roof was closed in competition for the first time as Nadal came out a 6-0 7-5 6-1 victor in the second-round clash on Wednesday.
The Spanish fourth seed said the conditions were similar, with only a little more noise than usual surprising him.
“It’s good. It’s great to be the first player to play with the roof closed, in the competition, because I was the first player to hit in the centre court with the roof closed,” Nadal said.
“I’m just happy. The difference is not many. No big difference. With the roof open there is no wind at all, so it’s not a big change. And the roof is so high you don’t feel that you are closed. That’s my feeling. Today I didn’t feel the change.
“It’s great. It’s an unbelievable, unbelievable court. So nice.”
Nadal’s win over Seppi marked his sixth straight against the Italian, with all of those victories coming without dropping a set.
Next up for him is Andrey Kuznetsov, the Russian he has beaten all three times they have met – but who pushed him to three sets in Doha at the start of the year.
Nadal said: “Next round is a very tough opponent. I know him well. I played him this year I think at the beginning of the season in Doha.
“He’s an aggressive player. He has lots of big shots from the baseline and he’s very dangerous.
“I need to improve, playing longer, playing higher, changing speeds, changing the rhythm of the ball with the slice, and then every time I need to hit more forehand winners.”
culled: Pulse Sports Agency International By Omni Sport
