Rafael Nadal is eyeing the retention of his US Open title. In 2010, Rafael Nadal had one of the most impressive Grand Slam runs of his career at the US Open. The Spaniard served out of his mind and looked nigh invincible on his least-favorite surface.
However, poor showings in Montreal, where he lost in the second round and Cincinnati quarterfinal loss to Mardy Fish leaves Nadal looking vulnerable this time around. And that’s not even mentioning the 5 losses he’s suffered at the hands of Novak Djokovic, who has run the Spaniard ragged this season. Fortunately, Nadal wouldn’t have to meet his main rival until the finals.
However, luck has smiled on Nadal. The draw was kind to the Spaniard. The other top seed in Nadal’s quarter is David Ferrer, who is the No. 5 seed and fortunately for Nadal, Ferrer’s been off his game and has a third round loss to Gilles Simon in Cincy to show for his hard court efforts this summer.
Also landing in Nadal’s section is No. 10 seed and fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro, against whom Nadal has never lost, and Andy Roddick, who has been perfectly dismal this summer.
The only real danger to Nadal is Mikhail Youzhny, who is the No. 16 seed and has beaten Nadal at the US Open before. Still, the Russian is only a minor threat. The Spaniard may find himself in the semifinals in 2 weeks barring any upset.
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