Rafael Nadal vs Gilles Muller – 4th Round Preview: US Open 2011
Rafael ‘Rafa’ Nadal, Spaniard, will play his fourth round of the US Open 2011 at the USTA Billie Jean Tennis Center on Wednesday, 7th September, against the Luxembourger Gilles Muller. The match was due on Tuesday, 6th September,
however, was delayed due to rain.
Playing the Spaniard for the fourth time, Muller has been successful only once in Wimbledon back in 2005. Other than that the world No.2 has blistered the 28-year-old Luxembourger at every head-to-head. Nadal, comparatively has
had an easier pool to play in. Nevertheless, is he wins he would go on to play one of the top shots.
Muller, ranked world No.68, has been the lucky goat on Tour. Considering his ranking, he is the only player at the moment ranked below 50 to survive this far. Prior to his pre quarter-final match, 4th round, the 28-year-old
overpowered Ernest Gulbis and Igor Kunitsyn to land into the hands of the clay king.
Regardless of the fact that the Luxembourger has been struggling in previous events, his performance comparatively has been better at the Grand Slam event. The 28-year-old is a moderate player. He might have a chance at the former
world No.1 if the latter falls back with an injury. Other than that, the world No.68 has fewer chances to succeed.
On the contrary, the furious former world No.1 is regaining his form. Struggling for a number of injuries during this season, the Spaniard is looking to conquer his second Grand Slam of the season using his full arsenal of tricks.
However, ‘Rafa’ has been under the suspicion of retiring any time. Playing with burnt fingers, and with his body engulfed with cramps during a conference after his 3rd round win against David Nalbandian, the Spaniard
is yet to regain his best form this season.
Now if we consider the 4th round match, Nadal has a clear chance to qualify into the round of 8 as Muller seems less of a hurdle for the former world No.1. That is because even the lion is not is in best of his health,
he still is a ferocious player.
Hitting forehands averaging 3,200 revs per minutes simplifies his percentage of winning. The outstanding 25-year-old might have lost his previous season form but it wouldn’t take him much effort to strike back and stand on the
pole position once again.
World No.2, Nadal is expected to overcome Muller with great ease as he has greater variety of strokes, greater agility and consistency. With top of the game footwork and perfect topspins, the Spaniard is more likely to win in straight
sets and make his way into the round of 8. However, only if the former world No.1 retires, Muller would get a lucky walk through into the quarter-final.
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.
Tags: