Nadal fit and ready for hardcourt
challenge at U.S. Open
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[August 24, 2019]
By Frank Pingue
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Rafa Nadal was
forced out of the U.S. Open last year in the semi-finals with a knee
injury but the in-form Spaniard on Friday declared himself fit and
ready for the punishing hardcourts at Flushing Meadows.
Nadal's hopes of defending his 2017 U.S. Open title last year were
crushed when his chronic knee issues forced him to retire while
trailing Juan Martin del Potro 7-6(3) 6-2 after a number of long and
grueling matches.
Yet Nadal, whose U.S. Open tune-up this year featured a victory in
Montreal, where he earned a record-extending 35th ATP Masters 1000
title, arrives at the year's final Grand Slam feeling much better
about his health.
"My feeling on the knees are better this year than last year. Last
year the problem was I played three or four very, very long matches.
That's tough," Nadal said during a U.S. Open Media Day inside Louis
Armstrong Stadium.
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"I hope to be ready for it. I think I am playing well. I am
practicing the right way during these days. Of course, winning in
Montreal helps. I am ready for the action."
Those are encouraging words for Nadal, who last year showed signs of
distress almost from the start of his semi-final as he limped
noticeably, grimaced with every sudden move and called for the
trainer during a changeover in the second set.
The 33-year-old Spaniard, who cited fatigue as his reason for
skipping a U.S. Open warm-up in Cincinnati after winning in
Montreal, said he has been focused on arriving in New York and
adapting to the conditions.
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![](../images/082419pics/sports63.jpg)
Rafael Nadal from Spain hits a shot against Daniil Medvedev from
Russia (not pictured) during the Rogers Cup tennis tournament at
Stade IGA. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports/File
Photo
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Nadal, who would move to within one Grand Slam of Roger Federer's
all-time record 20 with a triumph in New York, said he has practiced
well all week and is brimming with confidence.
"My last events have been win Rome, win in Roland Garros,
semi-finals in Wimbledon, and winning Montreal," said Nadal.
"That's a positive feeling, positive memory on my mind. That helps
for the confidence, helps for the positive feelings."
(Reporting by Frank Pingue; Editing by Toby Davis)
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