10 Sep 2013

Nadal plays on in pain

6:09 am on 10 September 2013

Rafael Nadal has got used to playing through the pain caused by his troublesome knee, according to his uncle and coach Toni as the world number two prepares to face the top seed Novak Djokovic this morning in the U.S. Tennis Open in New York.

The 27 year old Spaniard has been on a spectacular run since returning his return to competition in February following seven months off due to a recurring knee problem, winning nine singles titles, including a record eighth French Open crown, and five Masters events.

This morning's final will be the 37th meeting between the pair, a record for the Open Era.

Nadal has a 21-15 winning record against Djokovic, though the Serb is more at home on hardcourts.

The match starts at 9 o'clock this morning.