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After sitting out Wimbledon, Rafael Nadal is back and will be eager to get his US Open campaign off to a good start when he takes on Uzbekistani Denis Istomin. Join The Roar for live scores from around 4am (AEST).
The three-time champion comes into New York following a massive upset losing to Borna Coric in straight sets 6-1, 6-3 during the second round at Cincinnati.
His short-lived stay in Ohio is one of just two tournaments Nadal has competed in since retiring prior to his third round clash at the French Open earlier in the year.
Nadal came close to winning bronze at Rio, losing out to Kei Nishikori 6-2, 6-7, 6-3 after falling to tournament surprise packet Juan Martin del Potro in the semifinals.
With little preparation in the lead-up to the tournament, Nadal could struggle however Denis Istomin’s recent form also spells trouble.
Istomin has lost his place inside the top 100 and will be looking for redemption however the cards appear to be stacked against him.
Istomin failed to get past the first round at Rio, losing to the prince of clay David Ferrer 6-2, 6-1 after an unsuccessful campaign at Gstaad and a semifinal exit in Astana.
The 29-year-old managed to reach the third round at Wimbledon however, he will need to pull out plenty of tricks to stop Rafa even though the clay court legend and two-time US Open champion has struggled recently.
Nadal has won all four meetings between the pair with their most recent coming at Miami in 2014 when the Spaniard cruised through for a 6-1, 6-0 victory.
They previously played at the US Open in 2010 with Nadal prevailing 6-2, 7-6, 7-5 in the second round.
The winner will play either Stephane Robert or Andreas Seppi in the second round.
Prediction
Nadal will get off to a good start with a win in straight sets over Istomin.
Nadal in straight sets.
Join The Roar for live scores from around 4am (AEST) following the completion of Angelique Kerber and Polona Hercog.
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You can find Riley on Twitter @rileypettigrew.
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