On Thursday evening, Rafael Nadal was involved in a tight battle with Fernando Gonzales in the US Open quarter final, when the rain intervened at 7-6, 6-6. Suffering further discomfort from his ongoing abdominal injury, Rafa was under pressure. Lose the tie break, and he would need another two sets to move through to the semi, whilst protecting his injury. The rain delay meant there was a risk that he would have to play on three successive days if he was to win the title. Not too promising then.Yesterday’s wash-out has changed Rafa’s chances completely. Firstly, the final has been rescheduled for Monday. So still potentially matches on three consecutive days. But the extra day had given his injury time to recover. And within 32 minutes of walking on court today, suddenly we have a live title contender. Four successive points won the second set tie-break , and then Gonzalez capitulated to a 6-0 third set thumping. Leaving plenty of time for Nadal to recover before his semi against Del Potro tomorrow.
I just couldn’t see Rafa as a winner of the tournament up to this point. With straight set defeats to Del Potro and Djokovic in his two tournaments since his three month injury break, he looked well behind Murray and Federer in form and fitness. But now it’s down to a four-man shootout, and I think the odds compilers have it right – Federer around 1.7, Rafa next at 5.2, Del Potro 7.2, Djokovic 11.00. Looking for someone capable of beating Federer? Step forward Majorca's finest.
Let battle commence (weather permitting!).
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