Tennis-Nadal wins ugly U.S. Open match against Fognini

Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - September 1, 2022 Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates winning his second round match against Italy's Fabio Fognini REUTERS/Mike Segar

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Rafa 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.