Former World No. 1 Rafael Nadal sought to ward off escalating criticism about his game after scoring his second-round win at the 2015 US Open. Nadal, who was featured in the night session on Wednesday, has hit back at critics who have been commenting on the Spanish tennis star's recent decline in form.

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"I am No. 8 in the world, I am not No. 100," Nadal was quoted saying in a report by Sky Sports. "It seems like I am No. 200 in every press conference."

The former World No. 1, who has not made the final of a grand slam event since claiming his ninth Roland Garros title, dropped to as low as No. 10 this season, but his recent win at the bet-at-home Open in Hamburg made him climb two places up to No. 8 rank. Nadal further aired his sentiments and he believes that he is being picked on more than anyone else on tour.

Nadal said that he entered the last major tournament at Flushing Meadows with renewed confidence after winning his fourth title this season. However, he added that his detractors make him feel "bad" every single day. According to Nadal, he tries to be as honest as he can and explains what is going on with his game. He said that he is the first one who gets "worried" if he doesn't get the result that he wants from playing tournaments aside from his loyal fans.

Nadal has advanced into the third round of the 2015 US Open. The 29-year-old beat Diego Schwartzman 7-6 6-3 7-5 in his second-round match at Louis Armstrong Stadium. He will play Fabio Fognini of Italy for a place in the last 16. Fognini defeated Pablo Cuevas on Court 5 6-3 6-4 6-4 to book a meeting with Nadal, who beat him in the ATP World Tour 500 series event in Hamburg.

Nadal is bidding to win his third title at the US Open. He won his maiden US Open trophy in 2010 and his second in 2013. Nadal failed to defend the title last year and was forced to withdraw from the grand slam tournament due to a wrist injury.

Tagsrafael nadal, 2015 us open, tennis, critics, Fabio Fognini, diego schwartzman