Can Rafa Defend His US Open Title?? (Page 2 of 2)

Gulbis has issues with his commitment to the game. However, I like his new coaching move going with Guillermo Canas. I believe that has been instrumental in his recent success.

I am not going to be quick to judge this shoulder injury of Djokovic. I expect him to be fully prepared and rested for the US Open. It is his to lose. If there is one doubt I do have about him, it is his mental state going into the tournament. It isn't a confidence issue for him, it is just whether his mental stamina has anything left in the tank after playing so many big matches. If he runs into Federer in the Semis, we could possibly see a similar match as we did at RG. But at the end of the day, he is the favorite without question and if he plays his A game then he will be in the Finals.

I do not know what to necessarily read out of Nadal as of late, but I do think that Djokovic has gotten into his head somewhat. I am not a believer that people can just shake off consecutive losses to the same player. If they meet in the final, I would expect Nadal to attempt to flatten out his shots some which could either lead to a breakthrough or a beat down. But I don't see Nadal in the final, maybe he can surprise me.

Murray is probably toast if he comes up against Djokovic in the final. But out of everyone in the field, I think he is the one person that could beat Djokovic on his A game. There's something brewing in that matchup since their epic clay court match this year. And with Djokovic being a quitter in their last meeting, you can definitely expect Murray to not like that one bit.

I wouldn't call myself a "Murray disciple" either, but I would like to see him breakthrough since he is certainly capable of doing it. It would make a great story, but to be honest, I would be happy if any of the top 4 won the title. If Djokovic wins, it would extend and cement his historic run as one of the most dominating in the history of the sport (IMO more impressive than McEnroe's run in 1984 because of how physical the sport is at the moment). If Nadal wins, he rebalances the scale of power and makes his rivalry with Djokovic more intriguing. If Federer wins, he once again shows his quality and proves to the world that even at his age he can still dominate the field, adding to his legacy. If Murray wins, the trio may become a quadri, and then who knows what will happen?!

I actually think it would be pretty darn cool if Tsonga or Fish could catch some breaks, make a great run, and win the title. I don't like Berdych's game very much, and I don't think Ferrer has slam-winning talent (sorry CC, I do admire Ferrer's game though and his physical stamina and mental fortitude) or that Del Po is back to his slam-winning form (though he may make a strong run).

Rafa has been struggling lately (his match with Verdasco in Cincy and then losing to Fish demonstrate this), but he may benefit from the easiest quadrant of the draw. My beloved Murray I think is in the toughest, most loaded quadrant; every match he faces may be a tough test. Djokovic's shoulder will be fine, and he should make it through with relatively minor resistance (at least until the quarters). Federer should be able to cruise also with relatively minor resistance (though he may face Tsonga yet again in the quarters). But you never know what is going to happen!

Instead of the people in the the top four the people i think may have a chance is Soderling, Ryan Harrison (Harrison won both doubles and singles in Hawaii), Ferrer, Del Potro, and Verdasco. As you guys said that Rafas mental weakness because of loses. If this keeps on happening these guys will pass Nadal when played. If Rafa keeps on playing well then he is sure to win and conquer the mental weakness.

VAMOS RAFA!

Soderling is worst on fast hard courts outdoors.  No chance there. 
Harrison?  Are you kidding?  Give the kid some time. 
Ferrer, I wish, but no way. 
Verdasco as champion actually made me laugh out loud.  Nicely done! 
Cam is right about Delpo.  Not yet.  Could make a nice run.  The Simon match should be revealing.
Rafa to the semis at minimum.