Rafael Nadal advances at US Open

Rafael Nadal's first US Open outing since his 2013 title saw him do it tough, the eighth seed surpassing Borna Coric in four sets on Monday.

On paper, Nadal's opener in New York was going to be tougher than an average opener at a major - Coric won their only previous meeting - and the Spaniard was pushed on his way to wrapping up a 6-3 6-2 4-6 6-4 win.

Coric capitalised on a rusty Nadal in their quarter-final in Basel late last season, but on the big stage of Arthur Ashe Stadium, the 14-time major winner had all the answers on a hot and humid New York evening.

The Croatian teenager, who only just missed a seeding as the world number 33, started solidly, going toe-to-toe with Nadal in the first six games before the champion left-hander took control.

Coric got to 30-30 in each of Nadal's first three service games, but it would be as close as he would get to a break in the first two sets.

Nadal won three straight love games from 3-3, and snared an early break in the second set to quash Coric's resistance.

Coric fired his first significant shot of the contest with an early break for 2-0 in the third, but keen to not prolong his night any further than necessary, Nadal restored parity immediately for 2-2.

Serving first in the third, Coric still kept a foothold in the match by staying in front at the change of ends - and despite the teenager's wilting first-service percentage, he managed to break in the 10th game on his first set point.

Coric again had the advantage of serving first in the fourth, something he exploited until Nadal's clean return winner on break point in the seventh game spelled an ominous ending.

And Nadal did not falter thereafter, wrapping up victory in two hours, 46 minutes.

In what is sure to be a post-match talking point, chair umpire Pascal Maria gave Coric a time-violation warning during the third set - ironic, given Nadal's point-to-point routine is a contentious one.