Rafael Nadal takes on Andreas Seppi in the men's singles second round clash of the 2016 US Open on Thursday (1 September).

Where to watch live

The match starts at 1.30am BST (early Thursday morning). Live coverage of the game will be available in the UK on British Eurosport 1 & 2. Live scores and regular updates will be available on US Open's official website.

Overview

Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal's season might have been plagued with injuries and loss of form but he did not let any of that affect him as he cruised past Denis Istomin 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 in the first round of the 2016 US Open on Monday.

The world number five, looked like he was coming back to his best in what was an impressive performance with his shots landing deep and his defence looking solid. The 30-year-old might have had 27 unforced errors as compared to 21 winners, but the shots he tried to play came off and that was most important.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal is a two-time US Open championship winner Getty

The world number five has won the US Open twice in his career, with his last win coming in 2013. Since then he has looked a shadow of his former self, but if he can get his body in order he has a chance off adding to his winners tally.

In line to face the Spaniard is Italy's Andreas Seppi. Seppi who is currently ranked number 87 in the world, has reached as high as number 18 in the rankings in the past and comes into this clash after beating Stephane Robert 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the first round.

Seppi has beaten Nadal once way back in 2008 at Rotterdam but the gulf in class between the two is evident, which makes it unlikely that the Italian will upset Nadal at Flushing Meadows, New York.

Betting odds (betfair)

  • Rafael Nadal to win: 1/14
  • Andrea Seppi to win: 8

Head-to-head

The duo have faced each other eight times in ATP tennis and Grand Slam history, with Nadal winning seven of those encounters. They last faced each other in the round of 32 of the Rio 2016 Olympics, with the Spaniard coming out on top 6-3, 6-3.

US Open history

Nadal and Seppi have never faced each other at the US Open in the past.

US Open Rafael Nadal New York