Chang W. Lee/The New York Times
Rafael Nadal struggled to acclimate to New York in his early United States Opens. In his first five appearances, he did not reach even a semifinal; within that span, he had won at least one title at the three other Grand Slam events.
Things have changed dramatically in recent years, however: The courts have slowed, his knees have largely held up, and the U.S. Open has become Nadal’s land of opportunity.
“I think at the beginning of my career have been some tough moments here, losing matches,” Nadal said Friday.