Tennis Update: Nadal looking forward to win his first US Open title this year in New York
The number one tennis player, Rafael Nadal is definitely looking forward to grab his first United States Open tennis tournament this season in New York. It is, after all, the only major crown that the Spaniard has yet to capture.
However, the top seeded Nadal insists that he is not obsessed to win the US Open title,
“I hope and look forward to play well here in New York and try to win a title however without any obsession. I am quite satisfied with the way I have played over the last few months,” said Nadal.
Rafael Nadal at just twenty four has already captured a total of eight Grand Slam trophies so far in his career, five at Roland Garros, two at the Grass Court Grand Slam tournament as well as one at the hard court Australian Open championship. However, he has never managed to go beyond the semi final round at the Flushing Meadows in New York.
“There is nothing wrong with his game for sure,” said the five time US Open winner Roger Federer, who is seeded number two to win the title at the US Open 2010. “If you can reach the semi final round, you can comfortably make it to the finals as well. That’s quite obvious.”
The rivals have faced each other so far on a total of twenty one occasions, including seven major finals- at least once at each of the other three Grand Slam championships. However, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have never played against each other at the United States Open tennis tournament and if they do come across in New York this season, it will have to be the title battle.
“Federer is always there,” Rafael noted. That is a reality, as the Swiss tennis maestro has played in every single United States Open Men’s tournament match since 2004.
Nadal on the other hand, was kicked out in the second round back in 2003, as well as in 2004, in the third round back in 2005, in the quarters back in 2006 and in the fourth round in 2007. As far as the last two years are concerned, the top seeded Nadal was knocked down in the semi final round on both occasions at the hands of Andy Murray, as well as Juan Martin Del Potro in 2008 and 2009 respectively.
Nadal, while commenting on his last two defeats at the Flushing Meadows says that he was mentally and physically worn out, when he got to the final Grand Slam of the season that heavily affected his game.
The ninth ranked American tennis player, Andy Roddick while commenting on Nadal’s possibilities this year at the US Open 2010 said,
“I won’t be surprised to see Rafa winning the title this season as his form and game truly favours him more than anyone else on the tour. What’s the confusing question is that although there is no doubt about the fact that the Spaniard can handle the pressure being seeded number one in New York however, I don’t know will he handle it smartly this time to grab his first US Open title or not,” added Roddick.
Roddick is one of the former US Open winner’s, who is scheduled to play his opening match today in Arthur Ashe Stadium along with Roger Federer, Kim Clijsters as well as Venus Williams. Another former champion, Lleyton Hewitt will be opening in Louis Armstrong Stadium.
In some other action on Monday, Melanie Oudin, who made a magical run to the quarterfinal last year in New York, Dinara Safina, Ana Ivanovic, Francesca Schiavone as well as Sam Stosur will also play their opening round matches at the Flushing Meadows.
Nadal will start action on Tuesday against his Russian tennis player, Teymuraz Gabashvili at the US Open 2010.
“I am definitely going to be a happy man more than anyone else if I manage to win the title this year in New York,” said Rafa.
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