Six-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal has advanced to the third round of the US Tennis Open, defeating Germany's Nicolas Kiefer 6-0 3-6 6-3 6-4.
The third-seeded Spaniard, who is trying to complete a career Grand Slam with a US Open crown, will next face 32nd-seeded compatriot Nicolas Almagro for a berth in the fourth round.
Reigning Australian Open champion Nadal missed more than two months with knee tendinitis, and was unable to defend his 2008 Wimbledon title, but he returned to the court three weeks ago and showed top form in his first two matches.
