Rafael Nadal: Why Rafa Will Disappoint at US Open

Rafael Nadal has not been playing like the Nadal we are used to seeing. As a result, he is headed towards an early exit at the 2011 US Open.

Nadal's game has been deteriorating since Wimbledon, and it has altered his mental approach. This will become wildly apparent in tennis' last Grand Slam of 2011. 

Nadal's struggles can be pinpointed to injuries. He hurt his foot at Wimbledon. He and his foot have not been the same since. Following his foot injury, he also suffered burns on his finger that have plagued his game.

He has performed admirably, but instead of getting better, Nadal's game is headed in the wrong direction.

The injury has now moved into his head. You don't have to take my word for this. Nadal admits as much, telling the guardian:

"My movements are not prefect, [there are] more mistakes than usual with the forehand. I have to play more inside the court, more aggressive."

Nadal is currently in the middle of tweaking his on-court play, and it has shown in his results. This a disturbing trend, and one that is not easily reversed. He was ousted in the quarterfinals at the Cincinnati Masters. That was just two short weeks ago, and that is not enough time for Nadal to iron out his deficiencies at the US Open.

Don't look for Nadal to advance past the quarterfinals of the US Open. In fact, I don't even expect him to get there. I am calling a third-round exit for this great champion.

Until Nadal has time to get healthy, and return to the player that attacks the court without fear and aggression he will not be able to claim any titles.

The good news for Nadal is that his slump is not irreversible. It is just irreversible in the short term. I expect Rafa to return strong in 2012, but as far as the 2011 US Open goes, forget about Nadal making any waves. Nadal needs time off so he can get back to being the dominant player tennis fans have grown to love.