Rafael Nadal US Open 2011: 3 Keys Will Lead Rafa to Victory over Novak Djokovic

Rafael Nadal has met Novak Djokovic five times in 2011 and lost every time. He is ready to end this streak of futility. Nadal is healthy and playing fantastic tennis. He is ready to defend his US Open crown.

He just needs to remember these three keys.

Strong Mental Approach

Nadal is a very fiery player. He lets his emotions show. This leads to wild swings in confidence for him. Nadal admits that his confidence is not what it needed to be in his previous matches with Djokovic this season.

Nadal, as quoted on USAToday.com:

"

"I am not very happy about my mental performance against him this year. That's true, no? Because for moments I didn't believe really 100 percent with the victory. That's big problem. Because when that's happening, you have your chances less, much less than if you believe."

"

Nadal can't afford to let his confidence slip in this match. He has been playing his best tennis of the year in this tournament. Now, he just needs to believe that he is playing good enough to beat Djokovic.

Be a Baseline Beast

Nadal is at his best when he is roaming the baseline. When he is running well, he can seemingly get to everything. This frustrates opponents.

Nadal will need to stay patient and let the match come to him. Djokovic feasts on opponents when they get too aggressive by knocking accurate two-handed backhands right past them. Nadal has the game to eliminate this advantage for Djokovic.

Stay Aggressive

While Nadal needs to be patient, he doesn't need to stay on his heels. Nadal has to be ready to attack, and he is the master of aggression from the baseline.

He needs to stay focused on keeping Djokovic scrambling. Nadal's forehand has been in peak form in this tournament. He needs to hit strong and aggressive shots with that forehand in this match and not settle for easy returns.