Can Rafael Nadal bounce back at the 2011 US Open Championships? – Tennis Special
Rafael Nadal, the former world number one, will be looking to make a strong come back at the 2011 US Open in United States. The Spaniard was dethroned from his world number one position by Novak Djokovic, the Serbian, who defeated
Nadal in the final of 2011 Wimbledon Championships to become the new world number one.
Since the year 2011 has started, Nadal has been struggling to come up with right strategy against the Serb powerhouse, who now has an impressive 5-0 head-to-head record against Rafa this season. It seems as if Nadal has only one
hurdle in front of him right now that is Novak Djokovic.
The two giants of tennis world have met each other in five finals on the ATP tour since the start of this year. At 2011 BNP Paribas Open, Djokovic came back from a set deficit to defeat Rafa 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. Similarly at 2011 Sony
Ericsson Open, Nadal once more failed to hold on to his 1-0 set score advantage.
However the real breakthrough for Djokovic came at 2011 Madrid and 2011 Rome, when he defeated the king of clay to become the only man to defeat Nadal two straight finals on the clay surface. It will not be wrong to say that in
all those four finals, Nadal looked helpless against the inform Novak Djokovic. The Spaniard tried everything in his books to emerge victorious but he failed to do so against the counteracting forces.
Nadal, the defending champion at the 2011 Wimbledon Championships looked all set for his third triumph at the all England Lawn Club. However, in the final, the Serbian crushed his dreams once more. Following his recent failures
against Djokovic, Nadal experienced a first round loss at 2011 Montreal Masters losing to world number 33 Ivan Dodig. He then crashed out against Mardy Fish in the quarterfinal of Cincinnati Open.
The ten times grand slam champion has looked vulnerable lately and he must find a way to restore his lost pride. Known for his fighting abilities, Nadal will have to put his recent failures behind him if he wants to regain the
top spot in ATP rankings.
Pete Sampras, the 14 times Grand Slam Champion, believes that Rafael Nadal will bounce back at the 2011 US Open. In an interview Sampras commented on Nadal,
“Rafael Nadal will still be a major threat for the US Open despite losing the world number one ranking to Novak Djokovic.”
He further added, “The French Open champion will bounce back from the disappointment of losing six straight finals to Djokovic and will still be the man to beat in New York.”
Having won all four Grand Slam titles, Nadal has a real challenge in front of him in form Novak Djokovic. The Spaniard will have to believe in himself and he must execute his game play with confidence if he wants to avoid sixth
consecutive defeat at the hands of world number one.
Over the years, Nadal has made great comebacks to shut the critics. After going through several health fitness problems in year 2010, he made a great come back to complete his career Grand Slam at 2010 US Open.
The King of clay had to wait for long time before he got his hands on his first Wimbledon trophy. Losing two straight finals to Roger Federer at Wimbledon Championships, Nadal bounced back brilliantly to down the Swiss in a thrilling
five set final in 2008.
Known for his never say die attitude; Nadal certainly has fears, which he must overcome before returning to defend his title at US Open. Undoubtedly, he is going through the toughest time of his career right now. However, whoever
has seen the Majorcan fighting for his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, will know that he will surely make a comeback to regain the world number one ranking.
Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in the article are the writer’s own personal views and have nothing to do with bettor.com’s editorial policy.
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