US Open: Nadal Seals Second Round Spot After Ferrer’s Injury

Top seed Rafael Nadal is through to the second round at the ongoing US Open tournament after compatriot David Ferrer’s Grand Slam swansong ended with injury.

The Spaniard was leading 6-3 3-4 in Monday’s late match on Arthur Ashe Stadium before Ferrer succumbed to a calf injury.

David Ferrer, 36, had earlier revealed that the tournament will be his final Grand Slam and that he will retire after playing in Barcelona or Madrid next year.

After the match, defending champion Nadal paid tribute to his friend. He said: “It is sad for me to see him finish like this.”

“I’m very very sorry for him, he is one of my closest friends on tour and we have shared amazing moments together, playing in French Open finals and playing together in the Davis Cup and Davis Cup finals.

“He is one of the greatest players we have had in our country.” The 32-year-old concluded.

Rafael Nadal will face world number 88 Vasek Pospisil of Canada in the second round on Wednesday.