Not a bad start, either, for Thiem on serve as a lovely forehand sees him take an early 30-0 lead on service but he has no response to a thunderous Nadal forehand which brings it back to 30-15.

He certainly lacks the power of Shelton, who rode his explosive left-handed serve all the way to the 2023 U.S. Open semifinals — which followed a second-round victory over Thiem.

Former champion Dominic Thiem's final appearance at the U.S. Open ended tamely on Monday after he was beaten 6-4 6-2 6-2 in the first round by American Ben Shelton.

Rafael Nadal vs Dominic Thiem LIVE: Latest score as Spaniard makes tennis comeback Rafael Nadal returns to winning ways after after almost 12 months out GAME, SET, MATCH!