Rafa Nadal not only had to deal with Australian Rinky Hijikata on the field in his debut match at the US Open (4/6, 6/2, 6/3, 6/3) but also had to answer awkward questions in the press room after the game a journalist who accused himself of wasting too much time in the military and was barely punished by the judges for it.

“I think it’s a joke,” the Majorcan tennis player began to reply. “I’ve had a lot of warnings throughout my career as a tennis player. And it was never for breaking the racket or scoring, it was for serving time,” he said. For more than two minutes, Nadal was interested in clarifying an issue that supposedly American John McEnroe supported in his accusations. “The truth is I have a problem: I sweat a lot. This happens when you play in these humid conditions. We had a big problem today. For several years the volleyball players have not brought us the towel, so you have to go and get it from the furthest place on the court. That’s why I don’t look for him all the time, so as not to waste time. “I don’t believe he was treated differently than others,” he said.

“So you’re being treated differently just because you’re sweating,” the journalist asked again, interrupting by the moderator in the press room, intending to address another question from another medium. But it was Nadal who showed an interest in pursuing the matter. “No, let it go,” the man from Manacor said to the moderator, “I’m happy to answer that.” “I never said that” was the response of the 22 major champions. I follow the rules. I get a warning if I spend more than 25 seconds to shoot. If not, look at the clock, I don’t know what you’re looking for.” The journalist thanked Nadal for his explanation: “Thank you very much for your answer.”

The truth is, I have a problem: I sweat a lot. And for two years we had to get the towel from the other side of the track.”

The four-time winner in New York succinctly concluded: “I don’t get treated differently from the others. I don’t know why John (McEnroe) said this on TV, but I’ll send him a message,” she said with a smile.