US Open Tennis 2011 Results: Rafael Nadal vs. Gilles Muller Score and Analysis

So much for aces being the key to the match. Rafael Nadal took down Gilles Muller on a rare dry day from the 2011 US Open. 

Nadal had been besides himself over the court he had to play on Wednesday. Thursday proved to be dry enough for him to dominate his opponent, a fellow lefty, Gilles Muller. Here is the breakdown for a marquee morning matchup. 

RESULT

Rafael Nadal had to shake off a three-game hole from Wednesday. The 28-year-old Muller must have been wishing for cloudy skies as Nadal enjoyed a furious come back to tie the first set.

Nadal never relented as he took the tie-breaker, then the two subsequent sets. By the time Nadal was through, any indication that Muller could play on the same court with Nadal was erased. The star Spaniard had the victory, 7-6 (1), 6-1, 6-2. 

The thought had been that Muller would give Nadal fits with his superior service. Muller was no doubt better on serve, collecting 11 aces to Nadal's five, but that hardly mattered.

Muller had ten of his aces in the first set, yet still couldn't withstand the onslaught of Nadal.  

STORYLINE

Thursday was all about getting the match in. Wednesday proved that rain can sour just about any dish, no matter how delightful. 

The US Open was a frantic marvel on Thursday, and Nadal was lending a hand in getting this fourth-round match in. As clouds moved in, and sunshine left the court, Nadal was his typical self, dispatching of Muller in a timely manner. He now has fresh legs for the hardest match of the Open.  

Next Up for Rafael Nadal 

Nadal leaves one service master, and will face another. Andy Roddick will be gunning for a weary player in Nadal. The Spaniard will be forced to play in four matches in five days if he is to win the Open. 

Rain and a powerful serve will prove to be the worst enemies to one of tennis' greatest players. Both Roddick and Nadal have been vocal of the adversity in this year's tournament. We will get to see them take out their aggressions on each other. Which promises to be very entertaining.