Rafael Nadal is two wins away from a second U.S. Open title and a fourth straight hard-court triumph in 2013. Standing in his way on semifinal Saturday is Richard Gasquet.
Rafael Nadal and Richard Gasquet will be doing battle for the 11th time in their careers at the ATP level when they clash in the semifinals of the U.S. Open on Saturday afternoon.
Nadal is a perfect 10-0 lifetime in the head-to-head series, including 4-0 on hard courts. Their last hard-court encounter came four years ago in the first round of this same event, with Gasquet just returning from suspension and going down 6-2, 6-2, 6-3. They most recently faced each other in a clay-court Davis Cup rubber in 2011, a meeting that went Nadal’s way 6-3, 6-0, 6-1 in front of a Spanish crowd. The world No. 2 has won 14 consecutive sets against Gasquet dating back to their second frame at the 2008 Toronto Masters.
The good news for Gasquet is that the state of his game–and his mentality–cannot be more different from when he last ran into Nadal in New York. This time around he is in the midst of a brilliant season for which he owns a 39-14 record. The ninth-ranked Frenchman made a quarterfinal run this summer in Montreal and he booked his place in the U.S. Open semifinals with wins over Michael Russell, Stephane Robert, Dmitry Tursunov, Milos Raonic, and David Ferrer. Gasquet needed five sets to get past both Raonic and Ferrer.
Of course, the bad news for Gasquet is not limited to the fact that he has played 10 sets in his last two matches. Even worse for the underdog is that Nadal is completely on fire at the moment. The 2010 U.S. Open champion is 58-3 for the season and undefeated on hard courts–with Indian Wells, Montreal, and Cincinnati among his nine titles. So far this fortnight Nadal has taken out Ryan Harrison, Rogerio Dutra Silva, Ivan Dodig, Philipp Kohlschreiber, and Tommy Robredo–dropping only the first set to Kohlschreiber along the way.
Even with one of the best one-handed backhands in the game, Gasquet’s favorite shot is not going to be able to withstand his opponent’s heavy topspin–especially not when weary legs will sometimes prevent him from being in correct positions. All signs point to another rout for Nadal.
Pick: Nadal in 3 losing 5-7 games
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I think Rafa is going to be tested this time round.
I like very much this pumped-up Gasket.
But, I hope Rafa will prevail in the end.
If Gasket is able to take a set, either 1st or 2nd… this could go to 5.
no. blowout city.
Reblogged this on Tennis Abides.
I was impressed with Gasquet against Feru , on the other hand, going 5 sets with Raonic isn’t that impressive so it depends on whom he is playing. Robredo looked so good against Federer but a pigeon against Rafa.
It’s not going to be a blow out but Rafa should prevail.
If Gasquet goes behind quickly in the first set his confidence will go with it. Without the confidence he will be helpless against Rafa.
Gasquet struggled to beat Ferrer so I don’t see how he is going to trouble Nadal. Rafa is going to win this one in straight sets. I’m predicting 6-3 6-1 6-3
Assuming Rafa’s match is unlikely to be much before 9pm local time, here is the current weather forecast:
9 pm 69°
Mostly Cloudy
HUMIDITY: 57%
PRECIP: 10%
WIND: SSW at 8 mph
I find Rafa is not able to make enough inroads on Gasquet’s serve! Hope he ramps things up soon!!! He needs to put this to bed in three!!!! Vamos!!!
Where is everybody?! Rafa sucks in the second set!!!
We’re here @monalysa13. Can’t understand what Rafa’s playing at here. He needs to find his 1st serve and up his intensity. He needs to cut out these long baseline rallies with Gasquet……….
Yeah, Rafa’s retun against Gasquet is not good!! If he does not lift his game, he will be toast agianst Novak! Then agian, Novak did not play well either!!!! If Stan had more stamina he could have won the match, esp that 2nd set!!! Bust Stan did say that he tried his best!!!!!
Looks like Reeshie’s tiring out, not chasing balls, making more errors……….
Don’t worry about the final, Rafa will get his mojo back once he sees Djoker across the net…
Congrats Rafa!!! As expected, you did not disappoint!!! Love you Rafa, and stay healthy!!!!