US Open: Nadal into round three after Kokkinakis withdrawal

Thanasi Kokkinakis' late withdrawal has provided Rafael Nadal with the chance to rest ahead of round three at the US Open.

Rafael Nadal at the US Open

Rafael Nadal received a walkover into round three of the US Open after Thanasi Kokkinakis withdrew from their second-round match.

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.

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Marin Cilic's match with Cedrik-Marcel Stebe has been moved from Louis Armstrong to Ashe to fill the void.

Nadal will face either Fernando Verdasco or Hyeon Chung in the third round at Flushing Meadows as the 33-year-old eyes a fourth US Open title.