New York: Second seed Rafael Nadal eased into the US Open second round on Monday with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 win over American wildcard Ryan Harrison.

Nadal, the 2010 champion in New York, clinched his 16th hardcourt win in a row without loss of 2013 to illustrate his position as favorite for the title.

The 27-year-old Spaniard has captured nine trophies since his return from a seventh-month injury lay-off in February, building up a 54-3 winning record in the process.

Nadal came into New York having won back-to-back Masters titles at Montreal and Cincinnati, comfortably overcoming his shock first-round exit at Wimbledon.

He next tackles either Canada`s Vasek Pospisil or Brazilian qualifier Rogerio Dutra Silva.

AFP