Federer and Nadal; Yet to face off at the U.S. Open
Over the years, Spain’s Rafael Nadal and Swiss man, Roger Federer have come up against each other in 21 matches. The professionals were made to face one another in eight grand slam matches, out of which, seven were finals.
However, the sportsmen have yet to have opposed each other at the U.S. Open. The on-court rivalry that has made history leaves spectators wanting more. Will the 2010 U.S. Open give rise to a Federer-Nadal final?
In the words of Rafael Nadal, “I hope I have another chance to play well here and to have the chance to win — but without obsession, no? I am more than happy (with) what I have at home, all the tournaments that I won. More than I dreamt five or six years ago.”
Nonetheless, in the year 2007, Nadal only made it to the fourth round of the U.S. Open Men’s singles draw. Having defeated Frenchman, Jo-Wilfred Tsonga in the prior round, Rafa played fellow-countryman, David Ferrer in the fourth round.
Nadal took the first set 7-6 on a tie-break. However, Ferrer bounced back in the second set with a 6-4 win. Furthermore, he won the third set 7-6 on a tie-break and the deciding fourth set 6 games to 2. Ferrer’s three set win caused Rafa to be eliminated from the 2007 U.S. Open Men’s singles draw.
Alongside, Federer bagged a straight set win over Russia’s Nikolay Davydenko in the semi-finals, prior to which, he cruised through the initial few rounds with ease.
The Swiss Maestro opposed Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in the 2007 U.S. Open final, only to come out victorious with a 7-6, 7-6 and 6-4 win against the Serb.
The following year, Nadal made it through the first few stages and was made to face America’s Mardy Fish at the quarter-finals of the 2008 U.S. Open. Fish started off by taking the first set 6-3. Although, it was Rafa who came out stronger as he won the remaining three sets 6-1, 6-4 and 6-2.
Upon defeating Fish, the sportsman went on to play Britain’s Andy Murray in the semi-finals of the tournament. The professionals went nip and tuck however; it was Murray that made a place for himself at the final. The Britt took the first two sets 6-2, 7-6 and the fourth set 6-4, earlier to which Rafa won the third set 6-4.
As Rafa stood defeated and was once again, eliminated from the tournament, Federer thrashed Novak Djokovic only to face Murray at the 2008 U.S. Open Men’s singles final.
Roger got a comfortable three set to none win over Britain’s top seed, Andy Murray. The professional was defeated 6-2, 7-5 and 6-2 by the Swiss terror.
Similar to last year, Nadal made it to the semi-finals of the 2009 U.S. Open. In the quarter-finals, the Spaniard was opposed by Chile’s Fernando Gonzalez.
As much as Gonzalez tried, he wasn’t able to keep up with Nadal. The professional was defeated 7-6, 7-6, 6-0, three sets in a row by Rafa.
Awaiting Nadal in the semi-finals was Argentina’s dark horse, Juan Martin Del Potro. The Argentine took everyone by surprise as he defeated the current World no. 1 in straight sets. Rafa was knocked out of the tournament as he lost 6-2, 6-2 and 6-2 to the underdog.
On the other hand, 5 time defending champion Roger Federer thrashed Novak Djokovic once again to breeze through to the finals of the 2009 U.S. Open. Nole lost 7-6, 7-5 and 7-5 in straight sets to the Swiss Maestro.
Little did Federer know that a novice by the name of Del Potro would end his reign and ruin his winning streak. Despite losing 3-6 in the first set, and 4-6 in the third set, Del Potro took the second set 7-6, the fourth set 7-6 and the deciding set 6-2, to be crowned champion.
Additionally, with Del Potro out of the way with a wrist injury, Nadal in top form and Federer with his mind set on bagging more titles, one could most definitely expect a Federer-Nadal final this year at the U.S. Open.
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