Rafael Nadal's funny run-in with security at US Open

Even the greats aren’t immune to the strict security measures at the US Open.

And Rafael Nadal found that out first-hand on Tuesday.

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Arriving for his first-round clash with John Millman, Nadal was made to join the cues and go through security like everyone else entering the Flushing Meadows grounds.

In a funny video posted by the official US Open account, Nadal looks slightly annoyed as he waits while a security guard checks his bag.

“Even the biggest stars have to go through security,” they wrote on Twitter.

And Rafa’s hoards of fans saw the funny side.

Millman’s brutal hat-trick

Win or lose, Millman is cherishing the chance to complete one of the most prestigious hat-tricks in tennis history in New York on Tuesday night.

When Millman squares off with Rafael Nadal in the first round of the US Open, the popular Australian will become the first man to have gone head-to-head with tennis's big three in successive matches at the same grand slam venue.

And all in prime time on Arthur Ashe Stadium no less.

"These are the matches you remember, there's no doubt about that. You do want to test yourself against the best players," Millman said, having famously taken out Roger Federer in the fourth round last year before pushing Novak Djokovic in a tough quarter-final three-setter.

"The last three matches I've played at the US Open have been probably three of the greatest ever.

"I've been really lucky now, playing some of the best players we've played on the biggest stage.

"I've played Andy (Murray) at Wimbledon centre court, I've played Roger and Novak here."

While he acknowledges the enormity of the challenge confronting him, Millman hopes to draw on his past big-match experiences and put up a fight against the mighty Spaniard.

"Rafa, it's like a boxing match. It's relentless abuse out there," Millman said.

"He turns up for every point. He puts maximum intensity in every shot and it's quite punishing actually.

"It's mentally challenging because you can't give these top players an inch.

"If you do, if you give them any type of cheap points, they genuinely make you pay for that.

"Physically he's one of the toughest guys to play, just because of the intensity he goes out with every single shot. It's challenging."

with AAP