US Open: "Like a lion in the middle of the jungle" - All against top favorite Nadal
No Federer , no Djokovic : Of the "Big Three" only Rafael Nadal is left of the US Open in the semi-finals, who is now the top favorite for the title.
by SID
last edit: Sep 06, 2019, 07:15 pm
Anyone who heard Matteo Berrettini talking after his entry into the US Open semi-finals was quickly convinced that the Italian tennis professional had no chance in the biggest match of his life. The 23-year-old spoke of his upcoming opponent Rafael Nadal full of admiration and awe. "He is the greatest fighter that there has ever been in this sport," enthused Berrettini: "It is unbelievable what he does, his attitude is close to perfection."
Before the semi-finals on Friday, Berrettini's tributes were clear: after the unexpectedly early out of his two big rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, the 18-time major winner Nadal in New York is the top favorite for the win. The previous eleven Grand Slam titles had been chosen by Nadal, Djokovic and Federer, now only the Spaniard is left of the "Big Three".
Zverev conqueror Diego Schwartzman also rose to the praises after the 4: 6, 5: 7, 2: 6 against Nadal in the quarter-finals. "He is like a lion in the middle of the jungle," said the Argentinian, who also had no victory in the eighth duel with Nadal: "He is a fighter. He knows how to play at important moments every time."
"Believe I can do it"
French Open winner Nadal, on the other hand, spoke very modestly of a "step forward" and explained: "This game gives me confidence. I have now survived two games against two tough opponents. Now is the time when I still have the level have to screw up a little bit. I really believe that I can do it. "
Of course Nadal knows about his great chance after the departure of his worst adversaries Federer and Djokovic. With his fourth triumph in Flushing Meadows, he would move up to a title at Federer's record of 20 Grand Slam victories. In addition to Berrettini, a resurrected and a purified villain have something against it.
The biggest surprise in the semifinals is Grigor Dimitrov, who eliminated Federer in the quarterfinals. In 2017, the Bulgarian surprisingly won the ATP finals and was already considered the heir to the "Big Three". But he could not live up to expectations and was instead slowed down by injuries and form crises.
# BETATHOMEUSWIN #
Nadal? Or does someone do the Wawrinka?
Dimitrov's opponent Daniil Medvedev, on the other hand, can hardly be stopped. The Russian is currently the dominant player on hard court, from the past 21 matches on the surface he won 19. With his rock solid, almost error-free and tactically and combative brilliant game, he brought his opponents to despair in New York despite complaints in the thigh and shoulder .
In the previous rounds he had upset the audience with a stinking finger gesture and provocative interviews, which he derived from his own motivation. Now he shows himself purified. "I deserved what I got," said Medvedev after his quarter-final victory over ex-champion Stan Wawrinka: "I'm usually not like that, I'll work on myself and hopefully show my good side."
It was three years ago that the winner of a Grand Slam was not Federer, Nadal or Djokovic. Wawrinka used the opportunity in New York at the time - the best omen for Berrettini, Dimitrov and Medvedev.