Rafael Nadal received a walkover into the third round of the US Open after Thanasi Kokkinakis withdrew from their second-round match. (TENNIS NEWS)
Spanish star Nadal – the second seed – was due to close out Thursday's evening session against Kokkinakis on Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
However, the 18-time grand slam champion will now be able to rest ahead of his third-round encounter after Kokkinakis was forced to end his participation in the tournament.
Marin Cilic's match with Cedrik-Marcel Stebe was moved from Louis Armstrong to Ashe to fill the void.
Nadal will face Hyeon Chung in the third round at Flushing Meadows as the 33-year-old eyes a fourth US Open title.
