Rafael Nadal believes that facing Roger Federer at the US Open might have to remain an intriguing fantasy after the worrying decline of the Swiss superstar continued in New York.
Rafael Nadal came back to beat 22nd-seeded Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-3, 6-1 on Monday night in the fourth round.
Second-seeded Rafa Nadal has not lost serve once in three one-sided victories at the US Open this week but he feels his service game needs improving in his quest for another title at Flushing Meadows.
Hardy Nadal learning to cope with the ups and downs of tough game
Rafael Nadal blasted the current obsession with fad diets on Monday, especially the moves towards gluten-free eating popularized by Grand Slam rival Novak Djokovic.
Once the hunter, now the hunted, Andy Murray is braced for an all-out assault on his US Open title from rejuvenated Rafael Nadal and world No 1 Novak Djokovic.
US Open champion Andy Murray faces the mouthwatering prospect of meeting top seed Novak Djokovic in this year's semifinals after the draw for the season's final Grand Slam was announced on Thursday.
Rafa Nadal continued his outstanding hardcourt form beating John Isner 7-6 7-6 in the final of the Western and Southern Open on Sunday. Azarenka beats Williams for Cincinnati title Peng, Hsieh win Cincinnati doubles title
Rafa Nadal overpowered Canada's Milos Raonic 6-2 6-2 in the final of the men's Rogers Cup on Sunday to boost his confidence ahead of the US Open, starting later this month.
Rafael Nadal defeated two-time defending champion Novak Djokovic 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (2) in a thrilling, two-and-a-half-hour match Saturday night to reach the Rogers Cup final.
Just like that, in a span of 15 days, Rafael Nadal went from French Open champion for a record eighth time to first-round Grand Slam loser for the only time in his career.
If Rafael Nadal truly was going to be challenged, if his bid for an unprecedented eighth French Open championship would be slowed even a bit, this might have been the moment.