New York: Rafael Nadal believes criticism of his form this year has gone too far. Nadal moved into the third round of the US Open on Wednesday with a 7-6 (7/5) 6-3 7-5 victory over Argentina's Diego Schwartzman, which followed an impressive opening win over talented Croatian Borna Coric in round one.


Rafael Nadal returns during the US Open second round tie. Pic/AFP 

It marks an encouraging start at Flushing Meadows for the Spaniard, who has fallen below his own high standards this season, losing 14 matches and failing to go past the quarter-final of any of the three grand slams so far.