Nadal safely through

Rafael Nadal was held up by rain for over an hour before claiming a 6-4 7-5 6-4 victory against wild card Scoville Jenkins in the second round of the US Open at Flushing Meadows.

The second-seeded Spaniard broke Jenkins’ opening serve but the American bounced back, holding his next nine.

Despite being behind throughout, Jenkins often frustrated Nadal, who continually shook his head and grimaced when he lost an unexpected point.

And Nadal admitted: “I had to play 100% to win this match. I served well and I played well with my forehand.”

Nadal, who won the French Open earlier this year, will now meet either American wild card James Blake or Russia’s Igor Andreev.

Earlier, third seed Lleyton Hewitt booked his place in the second round with a straight-sets victory over Spain’s Albert Costa.

The 24-year-old, who won the title at Flushing Meadows in 2001, was never in trouble against Costa, 30, and cruised to a 6-1 6-2 6-1 success in the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The Australian hit eight aces on his way to victory and smashed 23 winners past his bewildered opponent.

Hewitt will face Jose Acasuso in the second round after the Argentinian outlasted Luis Horna of Peru 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6 (13/11).