Quiet, please: Rafael Nadal wants New Yorkers to cut the noisy chatter under US Open roof
World No 1 safely through to second round at Flushing Meadows but complains about volume level with roof closed on Arthur Ashe stadium
Rafael Nadal has conquered the French Open 10 times and battled career-threatening knee and wrist injuries, but his greatest challenge awaits him – telling rowdy New Yorkers to be quiet.
The world number one and two-time US Open champion took his first-round record at the season’s concluding grand slam to 13-0 on Tuesday with a 7-6 (8-6), 6-2, 6-2 win over Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic.
But with torrential rain lashing the Flushing Meadows site, the roof on the showpiece Arthur Ashe stadium was shut tight, creating a giant echo-chamber for the boisterous crowd of 24,000 beneath.
“Being honest, it [the noise] is a little bit too much,” said the 31-year-old Spaniard, whose grand slam collection of 15 titles includes the 2010 and 2013 US Open crowns.
“The energy and support of the crowd is massive. I enjoy it and I have unforgettable memories from this tournament and this court, because the energy is different from in other places.
