It may not be an all-Big 3 U.S. Open final, but the hard-court summer is ending in what feels like appropriate fashion on Sunday afternoon in New York.
Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev, who are a combined 29-2 during the U.S. Open Series (including 28-1 against opponents other than each other), are set to battle for the last major title of 2019. Nadal triumphed in Montreal, beating Medvedev in the final, while the Russian advanced to consecutive finals in Washington, D.C., Montreal, and Cincinnati–capturing the title at the latter.
Medvedev’s absolutely unbelievable summer has now reached a high point in the form of his fourth straight title match, this one obviously by far the biggest one of all. Despite running low on energy, with tape all over his body, and at one point cramping significantly, the 23-year-old has battled his way past Prajnesh Gunneswaran, Hugo Dellien, Feliciano Lopez, Dominik Koepfer, Stan Wawrinka, and Grigor Dimitrov.
“This summer’s been, I should say, so fast and long at the same time,” Medvedev explained. “Long because I’ve played so many matches. At the same time so fast because I didn’t have any moment to just sit down and look back and say, ‘Okay, I’ve done amazing things.'”
Nadal has been doing amazing things not only this summer but also for the last 15 years, to the extent that he is one win away from lifting slam trophy No. 19 and pulling to within one of Roger Federer on the all-time list. The second-ranked Spaniard’s major results in 2019 currently read: runner-up (Australian Open), champion (French Open), semifinals (Wimbledon), and final (U.S. Open). Capitalizing on a friendly draw while also playing ruthless tennis, Nadal punched his ticket to Sunday’s championship round with defeats of John Millman, Hyeon Chung, Marin Cilic, Diego Schwartzman, and Matteo Berrettini.
“At times [this has] been a positive tournament for me all my career, this one,” the three-time U.S. Open champion reflected. “I said every single day, but I can repeat: I feel comfortable here, I like the atmosphere, I like the crowd. I feel a big energy when I am playing in this Arthur Ashe Stadium.”
“Talking about Rafa, it’s tough to find words,” Medvedev praised. “So many players and so many people found them before me. He’s one of the greatest champions in the history of our sport. He’s just a machine; a beast on the court. The energy he’s showing is just amazing.”
The same can be said of Medvedev for his exploits this summer, but this fortnight especially must be taking an incredible physical and mental toll. Just about the entire way, the fans been against the soon-to-be world No. 4–and they will likely have plenty to cheer about on Sunday. Nadal will have everything left in his tank following the loss of just one set to Cilic and his heavy forehands will consistently pepper the Medvedev forehand.
Expect something along the lines of the Nadal-Schwartzman quarterfinal, with a whole host of entertaining rallies much of the way before the favorite pulls away convincingly in the end.
Pick: Nadal in 3
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I think we all just want Rafa to stay as healthy as he can! He wants that too, and I think he’s learned a bit of caution from his problems. But I think we’ve all learned that high level pro tennis past the age of 30 will lead to injuries. It’s the nature of elite (and even not-so-elite) sport. Well, the younger guys are not immune either!
Has anyone else seen Moya’s comments about how he believes Rafa hasn’t yet reached his peak? Wonder what people think? I kind of agree with him as there is more Rafa can add to his game than say Nole perhaps who is already so.balanced from both wings with great ros and better serve than Rafa.
I saw them. I expect Moya knows a bit more about Rafa than I do. 🙂 I do think Moya tends to be optimistic but that’s probably good in a coach.