Rafael Nadal’s quest for a 16th Grand Slam title is still very much alive after recording a thrilling 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win over Taro Daniel in the second round of the US Open on Thursday. It was a gritty performance by Nadal who needed two hours and 53 minutes to produce the marathon victory. With the win, Nadal booked a place in the third round at Flushing Meadows for the third straight year.
Just like in his first round match against Dusan Lajovic, Nadal’s return was impressive once again in this contest. Nadal won 45 percent of his receiving points against Daniel with the world no. 1 converting six of his 11 break point opportunities. Waiting in the next round for Nadal is the talented Leonardo Mayer. This will be the fourth meeting between the two stars in the ATP Tour with Nadal currently holding an impressive 3-0 advantage. For Nadal to extend his dominance against Mayer, he needs to continue his strong net play in the third round. He won 23 of his 30 net points against Daniel on Thursday.
Leonardo Mayer barged into the third round of the 2017 US Open with a stunning 6-7, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 win over Yuichi Sugita on Thursday. It was an excellent performance by Mayer who is now in the midst of a seven-match winning streak. With the victory, Mayer reached the last 32 at Flushing Meadows for just the third time in his career. Mayer, who improved to 2-0 against Sugita, blasted 63 winners and won 69 percent of his first serve points. What proved to be the difference in the match, though, was the Argentinian’s return. Mayer converted eight of his 17 break point chances against Sugita.
Things are bound to get tougher, though, for Mayer as he will next face the in-form Rafael Nadal. Mayer has lost all seven sets played against Nadal, most recently taking a 6-2, 7-5, 6-2 loss at Roland Garros in 2014. For Mayer to emerge as the victor this time around, he will need to find ways to limit his miscues. He committed a whopping 56 unforced errors in the win against Sugita. That simply won’t do against a world-class player like Nadal who last won this tournament in 2013. You can never count out Mayer, though, who is the first lucky loser to reach the round of 32 at the US Open since Flavio Cipolla in 2008.
Writer’s Prediction
Nadal (-1,300) breezes past Mayer in straight sets.
