New York: Spanish tennis great Rafael Nadal cruised to a straight sets victory over Italian veteran Andreas Seppi in the second round of the US Open on a match played under closed roofs for the first time.


Nadal's 6-0, 7-5, 6-1 win was marked by the historic closure of the retractable roof on Arthur Ashe Stadium for the first time in match play at Flushing Meadows here on Wednesday.

"It is great to be the first player to play with the roof closed, in the competition, because I was the first player to hit in the Centre Court with the roof closed," said Nadal after the match, as quoted by atpworldtour.com.

      
 With the roof closed at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Rafael Nadal, of Spain, returns a shot to Andreas Seppi, of Italy, during the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

"There is no big difference. With the roof open there is no wind at all, so it's not a big change. And the roof is so high you don't feel that you are closed... It's an unbelievable, unbelievable court."

Nadal at times appeared to lack a little confidence with his forehand but at other times produced some of his signature forehand winners.

"Today was a good win," said Nadal. "I feel that I played a little bit more aggressive than in the first round... The last forehand of the match was great. I hit some good forehands down the line again. That's an important shot for me."