Nadal aims to raise his game
2008-08-28 10:44
New York - Top-seeded Spaniard Rafael Nadal plans to step up his intensity when he bids for a place in the third round of the US Open on Thursday.
p>The newly crowned world number one, looking to win his
third grand slam title of the year, was below his best in the
opening round but promised to up his game when he faces
American qualifier Ryler De Heart, ranked 261.
"Probably I'm a little bit more tired than usual," Nadal said, having arrived in New York later than normal for the year's final grand slam tournament after winning the gold medal at the Olympic Games in Beijing.
"But the thing is to try to be good, mentally and
physically, because I think I am playing good tennis."
"The first round always is difficult, and hopefully next
round I play much better."
Women's top seed Ana Ivanovic of Serbia, who survived a
tough battle in round one, faces French qualifier Julie Coin,
while both Williams sisters are in second-round action.
Fourth seed Serena takes on Russian Elena Vesnina while
Wimbledon champion Venus meets Paraguayan Rossana De Los Rios.