NEW YORK—Rafael 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.
