Rain stops Murray, but not Roger

The 4 time US champ Roger Federer advanced to his 5 straight US Open final after an unforgettable show on Ashe just before the angry Hanna started the downpours over the Big Apple. Federer was predicted the winner by most “experts”, including me, but hadn’t convinced anyone that he was the man to beat at the Open so far. Federer and Novak seemed slightly more tired than at the last year’s final, making some silly errors, but all things considered, Beijing, jet lag and so on, it seems like they really gave everything out there. Federer was just that second faster both in legs and in mind when it came to those few vital points. Djokovic was very close to taking the 3rd set, but didn’t really have a momentum build-up which could carry him towards a win. Federer was best throughout the match.

He should be given a  general advantage over whoever wins TODAY, Murray or Nadal. Murray has the match in his hand right about now, but there’s something telling me that Nadal won’t be stopped if he gets the first set. He’s known for being a slow starter sometimes, but this might just go to Murray’s advantage on that note. Even so, Nadal got plenty of rain delay practise last year, so he has the experience. Federer expressed, being modestly reserved about it, that he would like to meet Nadal in the final. No wonder there!

So as Hanna still leaves New Yorkers wet, the ladies final will be played tonight and the men’s final tomorrow afternoon local time. Are we in for another blockbuster final or is Federer still the best on hard? Remember this…. Federer has never, ever, lost a Grand Slam final on hard court. Period. If Nadal takes this one, or even Murray (who still is a lot closer), then this might go in as the biggest avhievemnt any player has done over a Spring-Summer-Fall season (not so bad in Winter either). But before that, Rafa has a major task ahead, take 3 sets against Murray in not too long a time. If it goes long, the sorry winner will most likely suffer tomorrow.

New York, New York, Good Old York?

There are three players who just don’t seem to fall off the road of consistency. Federer reached his 18 straight GS semis, Djokovic follows with a decent run filled with drama, Nadal hits the 2nd weekend of the open for the first time, and maybe we’ll see more of Murray? The awkward 1st round loss in the Olympics doesn’t prove that, but at least he should be the fittest of the three. Maybe, OH just maybe he has a good shot at not only giving Nadal a spanking but also, the winner of Djoker-Feddy.

I didn’t see much of Djokovic-Roddick, but I believe it was like Roddick’s “momentum” shifted entirely over to Djokovic, who seemed to have a solid control in Roddick’s serve. Roddick looked like the tired one, even with his inability to stay calm for a second. The whole drama at the end is nothing more than a culture clash. Djokovic made just a innocent comment to an innocent attack. Roddick was joking and THE djoker himself was probably trying to be funny while riding on the I-just-beat-your-guy-high.

Federer looks a lot worse than maybe a year ago, but you have to remember that even in his almost perfect years of 05 and 06, he won a lot of matches playing pretty badly. I used to beat the 100+ guys with many errors and no “Shh. Quiet. Genius at work.” signs. He’s still doing that now and might just tear Djokovic apart tomorrow.

Nadal-Murray
So it all comes down to staying cool, which both have been good at lately, staying in the match and not worrying about the 20000+ people around you, experience of Nadal vs the recent beating Murray gave Nadal. I’d give Nadal a slight advantage due to the event. Had it been another Cincy SF, Murray would cope. I think tomorrow it could go long and therefore Nadal would hold on better. Nadal in 4?

Federer-Djokovic
Now Federer turned out to have a fairly easy draw. I don’t know if he got enough tests before this one. Lord knows Djokovic got a handful. The way Djokovic eased past Roddick might have been a great boost. Federer will have to bring out the Genius to win this one, but even if they both play on a lower level than expected Federer should be the favorite. Get ready for yet another Fed-Rafa final, people! Federer in 3!

Who’s the strongest, fittest, most likely winner?

I was stunned to see Nadal completely distroying the Fish after 1st set. Now he looks stronger than ever on any surface and from the looks of it, actually the favorite to win it. I don’t think that Murray will stop him as the stage is a little different than Ciny and Toronto. Nadal has been most consistent of the two and now goes in as a final favorite. Today the other 4 guys are fighting for the two SF spots.

Roddick-Djokovic
What a match this has the potential to be. They have exchanged wins in straight sets and are now in for their most important encounter so far. Roddick looks more than fresh, Djokovic…. not so much. The guy is getting some unforeseen criticism from fellow players with his supposed 16 injuries or whatever. I think it will come down to how fresh Djokovic looks, because Roddick is not one to tolerate 10 injury time-outs. The speed and “new” agressive Roddick might be too much for the Serb this time. The interesting thing will be to see what mood they’re in, because if Djokovic is back on track then it could go short to his favor. Roddick in 3,4 or 5 or Djokovic in 5.

Federer-Muller
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Muller in action so…. Federer in 3.

Last 8 no big upsets

This US Open I was certain that one of the bigger names would go out early. Right now it seems like they all want a piece of the good cake. Nadal has tied his PB at the Open by reaching a QF and securing his #1 spot for a longer time. Murray didn’t choke like he has over the past few years. Del Potro has continued his incredible run and will have to face Murray next. That can be a BIG match. Fish is not a BIG surprise. It was just a matter of deciding if Blake could beat Fish, or if Fish could take down his higher ranked friend. Fish gets an A. Roddick has never been in serious trouble and has reached that crucial QF match against Djokovic, who also has overcome a few tough steps. That will also be a big match where the outcome may not be easy to predict. Roddick won last time in Dubai and might be a slight favorite against the young Serbian. Federer will certainly get a challenge, after having struggled for 5 sets against Andreev, he now faces the big surprise Muller. I dind’t know Luxenburg would be represented in a US Open QF. The road seems easy for Federer, but it might not be.

At this point there’s not telling who will get to the final, but I think another Fed-Rafa final is once again the most likely outcome. Fish could beat Nadal, but has to play like he did back in March. Muller won’ beat Federer, but Roddick or Djokovic might. That’s the only immediate threat I see. Of course, Murray might have a chance of a lifetime, not only to clinch his first Grand Slam SF, but also his first final. And he could go all the way, on a good day.

Enjoy!