With August comes, the USO series finally unfold. The two most dominant players this year, Nadal and Federer will likely battle for the No.1 spot. They have faced each other in all other slam finals except the US open where they narrowly missed out on each other a few times. Will we finally see them facing off with Novak out of the scene and Andy suffering a slump? Nadal in recent years have not performed well in the USO (Lost to Fognini, Pouille) while Federer digs deep. But perhaps things can be a little different with Nadal re-discovering his hard court game this year. They have already played this year in an epic 5-set AO Final. Should they meet it will be another classic for sure.
With August comes, the USO series finally unfold. The two most dominant players this year, Nadal and Federer will likely battle for the No.1 spot. They have faced each other in all other slam finals except the US open where they narrowly missed out on each other a few times. Will we finally see them facing off with Novak out of the scene and Andy suffering a slump? Nadal in recent years have not performed well in the USO (Lost to Fognini, Pouille) while Federer digs deep. But perhaps things can be a little different with Nadal re-discovering his hard court game this year.
Hopefully not. But I think the odds of them meeting are very high. Not just because of Djovak's absence and Andy's problems. But also the rest of OKish players are having problems - Nishikori, Botnic, even Mugrinka is having knee problems. Gyros limped out of Wimbledon, he's so injury prone, you wouldn't bet on him getting to the USO fit. Zverev didn't prove himself in slams yet.
Realistically, there aren't any players that look likely to prevent this match from happening, but things can look differently after the masters tournaments.
Small chance, it would have to be the final, and even though they are the 2 faves at this moment, they both are hardly a lock.
edit: on second thought, maybe murray can hold on to one of the top spots because of strong after season? not sure about the exact rankings at that point. Still even a semi is quite a push.
They really never played in the US Open? Huh, learn something new every day.
If Murray can stay in the top 2 by the time it starts (We'll see if Murray/Federer are gonna play at Rogers cup to have a better idea), the chance of them meeting increases a bit as they could be on the same side of the draw and one match less required to meet. Even if they are #1 and #2 by then they are both capable of reaching the final. I somehow doubt it though... it seems like the most uncertain slam each and every year and I think this one might have a surprise finalist again.
They really never played in the US Open? Huh, learn something new every day.
If Murray can stay in the top 2 by the time it starts (We'll see if Murray/Federer are gonna play at Rogers cup to have a better idea), the chance of them meeting increases a bit as they could be on the same side of the draw and one match less required to meet. Even if they are #1 and #2 by then they are both capable of reaching the final. I somehow doubt it though... it seems like the most uncertain slam each and every year and I think this one might have a surprise finalist again.
This might be the best year yet to finally have a Fedal final at the USO. They've been one match away in 2008 and 2009, or even ONE POINT away in 2010 and 2011. Now that Djokovic is injured and Murray has had an inconsistent season & injuries, they have very few obstacles in their way. Of course, a lot will depend on their seeding. If they're seeded #1 and #2, they can't meet until the final which would mean they both have to win 6 matches, potentially meeting Murray and Wawrinka in the SF's. I definitely think it's possible, but Nadal might just be upset in the QF or something.
I don't think Murray will be a factor in the USO. He's had trouble with this hips for months now. This will not resolve in just a couple weeks. At the latest, he will feel it deep the USO, when the matches get tougher and he can't straight set his opponents fast enough.
We may very well see a first Fedal USO square-off if Grigor loses this.
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