Wednesday, September 4, 2013

US Open Men's Quarterfinals Bottom Half preview

It's down to the last eight in the men's draw, and I preview the first two quarterfinals at the US Open on Wednesday.

Richard Gasquet (8) vs. David Ferrer (4)

David Ferrer
David Ferrer (Photo credit: y.caradec)
Gasquet showed a different side to his game as he came back from the brink to beat Milos Raonic in a titanic five-setter in the round of 16. Despite the talented Canadian hitting a remarkable 39 aces, the mercurial Frenchman hung in, and came through 7-5 in a nervous last set. A long battle takes a toll on a player and the worst opponent to face after such a tussle is the ultimate competitor - David Ferrer. Ferrer has been doing what he does best, winning some tough four-setters with his brand of dogged tennis. Gasquet will probably come out with all guns firing to start the match, but once Ferrer settles he should win against an opponent he leads 8-1 in their head-to-head, including a straight sets victory at the US Open last year.

Tommy Robredo (19) vs. Rafael Nadal (2)

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
It was so close yet ended up being so far. A first meeting between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer was one match away, but Tommy Robredo spoilt the party for tennis fans all over the world. Robredo hit 31 winners against Federer, but crucially escaped with the former champion only converting two out of sixteen break points. Nadal is unlikely to be as generous, even though the French Open champion remarkably needed 14 chances before he broke Phillip Kohlschreiber in the round of 16. Robredo won only 37% of his receiving points against Federer, and it is likely to be even lesser against Nadal who is the only player remaining in the draw yet to drop his serve. Robredo will relish playing a quarterfinal in the biggest stadium in the sport, but as tough as he will try to be, it will be a surprise if he takes a set, as Nadal looks to book another all-Spanish affair in the semifinals.
Enhanced by Zemanta

No comments:

Post a Comment