Known for his torquing topspin and forceful forehand, Rafael Nadal showed off a different, metaphoric skill late Tuesday night at the United States Open: digestion.
After being force-fed a “bagel” set of 6-0 by ninth-seeded Dominic Thiem to open their quarterfinal match, Nadal seemed to gain a boost from the rough start, as if he had been intentionally carbo-loading his side of the scoreboard.
He would need the energy to endure the thick humidity in Arthur Ashe Stadium through the night, as the quick start gave way to a prolonged battle, becoming the longest match of the tournament so far.