(Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
Even with ailing Nadal U.S. Open poised to offer gritty, epic tennis as Murray and Djokovic aim to knock Federer
New York, NY (August 10, 2009). Spain's tennis golden boy, Rafael Nadal, is getting back into shape after being out of action for over two months. The ever valiant Nadal says he hopes to overcome tendonitis on both knees and be in good shape for the start of the U.S. Open, America’s Grand Slam tournament, in late August.
Well, that is a tall order. But, if ever there was a player with the willpower, toughness of mind and determination to make it happen, well, that player is Rafael Nadal.
Wimbledon reigning champion Roger Federer is not so eager to see Rafa back in top shape. Nadal is only one of two players in the Tour to have a winning record against the freshly minted 2009 Wimbledon champion. Rafa has a commanding 13-7 record against the 15-time Grand Slam champion with 60 career titles.
Roger would not be a tidbit upset to see Rafa play at half speed.
That is because the rest of the field is relatively easy for the already legendary European champion.
The top Latino players offer little resistance.
Chile’s Fernando Gonzalez has only one win in thirteen matches against Federer. But “Gonzo” is a fighter, very athletic and is always ready to battle. A match against the Chilean would bring all the Chileno fans to their feet given the reckless abandon “Gonzo” is known for.
The 6 foot 6, 20-year old Argentinean phenom Juan Martin Del Potro is certainly worth watching. He has a devastating serve and powerful forehand. But he is much too slow and not agile enough to keep up with Federer’s precise and perfectly timed baseline game. Federer is 6-0 against the young South American giant.
Twenty-five-year-old Spaniard Fernando Verdasco is 0-3 against the Swiss.
That leaves Murray and Djokovic… oh, and maybe Roddick.
What is left for Federer to fear?
Two 22-year-“old” young veterans who are now more experienced and savvy, and ready to give their best. In other words, they are at their prime.
British roaring young lion Andy Murray (6-2 against Roge), and Novak Djokovic (with a 4-7 record against Señor Federer), are the two most credible opposition in Roger’s way. The newly shaved and well groomed Murray is the only other player in the Tour with a winning record against Mr. Roge, but Federer beat Murray at last year’s U.S. Open final.
Djokovic, the 2008 Australian Open champion, has a respectable 4-7 record against Federer, but lost against him in the 2007 U.S. Open final and a 2008 U.S. Open semifinal. However, Djokovic has beaten Federer twice this year in non-Grand Slam tournaments.
So, if Rafa is too busy rubbing his knees, Murray and Djovkovic looked poised and ready to make 28-year old Federer begin to look like an old man on the court.
As for our very own American gentle competitor, Andy Roddick (2-19 against Federer), I just don’t see it. Andy has grown tremendously, showing a newfound controlled temperament and terrific concentration.
His match in the 2009 Wimbledon final against Señor Roge was admirable. But frankly, it was too timid for my taste. Roddick played not to lose. He displayed way too much respect for Federer. He played like a prima dona.
Sorry. But you will never beat Federer playing like that.
Dark horse.
French hard-server Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The man has bravado and a super cool, tough-hombre style. Tsonga would be a tough customer for anyone, and has only played ol’ Roge once, losing, of course.
With or without Rafa, this year’s U.S. Open promises great battles, great drama and the always electric, loud, boisterous and—yes, entertaining—New York City crowds.
Expect fireworks!
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