Top seed Nadal advances at US Open

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

NEW YORK (AFP) — Rafael Nadal ripped returns on serves, laced passing shots, and crafted crip volleys in a dynamic performance to beat Ryler DeHeart 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in the second round of the US Open on Thursday.

"I did well. I had to come back in third set from down 3-0 in games so I am happy with the victory," Nadal said.

"I am happy to be in the third round, for me this is a very important tournament."

Nadal, who has won eight titles this season including his fourth French Open crown and first Wimbledon trophy, has never made it past the quarter-finals at the US Open and hasn't made it to a hardcourt Grand Slam final.

But he looked poised to make a run in 2008 as he smacked 21 forehand winners and made just 11 unforced errors in the one hour, 40...