Rafael Nadal: 'New York return is special'

World number two Rafael Nadal has expressed his happiness at returning to New York for the US Open.

The Spaniard booked his place in the second round at Flushing Meadows with a 6-4 6-2 6-2 victory over Ryan Harrison on Monday.

Having missed the 2012 tournament through injury, Nadal admits that he is delighted to be back in action in the United States of America.

"It's a special emotion to be back in New York. It's a special atmosphere," AFP quotes Nadal as saying.

"I was nervous before the start, but I hope to have these nerves again in the future if it means I win."

Nadal will meet either Canada's Vasek Pospisil or Brazilian qualifier Rogerio Dutra Silva in the second round.