Rafael Nadal showed no hint of a US Open hangover as he crushed Sergiy Stakhovsky 6-0, 6-0, 6-4 to put Spain 2-0 up on Ukraine in their Davis Cup World Group play-off in Madrid on Friday.
The world number two and new US Open champion returned to action less than four days after securing a second success at Flushing Meadows, and a 13th Grand Slam in total.
Yet he showed no signs of fatigue as he mastered his favourite clay surface and in so doing inflicted a humiliating defeat on the world 92nd ranked player who dumped Roger Federer out of Wimbledon in July.
“It is a positive moment and a very special year for me, arguably the best,” Nadal said.
“I have played in 11 finals and won 10 tournaments so I can’t ask for more.
“I feel comfortable, I feel like I am playing well but from experience I know they are moments that come and go and I have to enjoy them.”
