Nadal enjoys straight-sets win over Istomin in first round

The Spaniard is a twice-winner of tournament - in 2010 and 2013 - but has missed the event twice in the last four years with various ailments.

Indeed, he hasn't made the final of a Slam since the 2014 French Open - but on Monday he looked close to his best. World number 107 Istomin posed a few problems for the 14-time Grand Slam winner, who showed off some hugely impressive shots... not least this staggering passing shot winner:

Nadal, who lost in the bronze medal match at the Rio Olympics but won doubles gold to continue his recovery from a wrist injury, was pleased to cruise through.

“I played a solid match for a lot of time,” Nadal said. “There was a tough moment in the second set but I think I resisted well and I am very happy for the victory. He is always a dangerous player.

Nadal plays Italy's Andreas Seppi in the next round, the world number 87 having beaten Stephane Robert in four sets.

While that match should present little problem, it is Spaniard's health which is most likely to determine his chances: he said after the match that his wrist has recovered well, however. He also had a message for his great rival Roger Federer, who misses the fortnight in Flushing Meadows with his own injury.

"The most important thing is I am in New York and that makes me happy,” Nadal added. "Injuries are part of the career of everybody; I have had a hard time this year.

"I experienced it a couple of times in my career, Roger it is happening the same and I wish him a fast recovery My wrist is improving and that is important too.”

"Is not easy to go two months-and-a-half out of competition in the middle of the season without hitting a forehand," Nadal later told reporters.

"I need to have the confidence again with my wrist. That is coming ... every day [I] feel the wrist [is] a little bit better.

"That's very important thing for me, the most important thing."

Nadal was also asked about the new roof on the Arthur Ashe stadium, having been the first player to hit a ball under the new roof.

"I was the first player to hit the first ball under the roof covered. Important thing in the history of this tournament," he said.

"Thanks from the players' side, from the fans' side, from the television side, for everybody. Is so important to have a roof like this so then the programme is never changed and people are not waiting for a rain delay...

"There is no wind. One of these days that I was practising in the centre court, outside was very, very windy and in the centre court was not wind at all.

"Is a beautiful court."