ATP WASHINGTON – First victory for Rafael Nadal since Roland-Garros, against Jack Sock

Rafael Nadal has found his way back to victory. The Spaniard won his first game since his loss at Roland Garros, but needed a third set and a tie-break to defeat the American Jack Sock, 192nd player in the world, in the round of 16 on Wednesday at Washington.

The 35-year-old Spaniard beat Sock 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (7/1) in three hours of a thrilling match in front of some 7,000 spectators. The Washington tournament is seen as a warm-up for the US Open, which has become the main goal for the world number three this season. Recovering for two months after a left foot injury, Nadal had not played since his loss to Novak Djokovic in the Roland Garros semi-finals in June, missing Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympics.

“I am in good shape”Nadal said after the game. “I just need to have a little less pain in my foot.”“Last night it was painful. I hope it will be better tomorrow. Winning the match helps.”, he added, greeting an audience who welcomed with great enthusiasm his return to the courts. “Energy question, public question, it was great, rejoiced the Spaniard. This type of match helps you improve. “

“If the condition of my foot improves, then the rest will happen little by little”, added the player to twenty Grand Slam titles, the same number as his rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, who are also aiming for the US Open. Nadal will face South African Lloyd Harris, 50th player in the world, Thursday in the round of 16.