Rafael Nadal, 31, is about to close a Grand Slam segment with another Major under his belt. Winning against Juan Martin del Potro put him into his third Grand Slam final of 2017 and the fourth overall at Flushing Meadows in New York. Despite showing a less convincing game prior to New York, he has managed to put things together step-by-step throughout the past two weeks. Of course, an easier draw helped him a lot to gain confidence and momentum but the minute the big test arrived he made a solid game to keep his 2017 US Open bid alive. A two-time former champion in New York (2010, 2013), he seeks to consolidate his freshly started reign at the ATP Tour's summit.
The odds could work in his favor too as Kevin Anderson is the surprise finalist who emerged from the bottom half of the main draw.
Nadal dominated del Potro, completed revenge eight years later
Back in 2009, Nadal and del Potro collided in the same stage at the US Open. The Argentine player went on to dismantle Nadal in straight sets to secure a spot in the final which he eventually won. Eight years later, the story seemed to follow the same pattern as the 28-year-old Argentine star won the opening set while Nadal was still trying to settle in. Eventually, the current world No. 1 made some serious holes into del Potro's defense to break his serve. From that first break on at the start of the second act, Nadal went on to annihilate any form of opposition.
His fierce forehand regained that lethal elasticity allowing Nadal to deliver a perfect display of tennis. Basically, he won the next three sets dropping only five games overall. As del Potro started to look deflated, on the other end, Nada grew bigger reminding to all the people watching that he is only 31 and another Nadal-esque era has just begun.
Nadal to take on Kevin Anderson for the 2017 US Open crown
The men's contest has brought into its final match two players whose chances were at least questionable two weeks ago. Rafael Nadal came in New York seeded first and the world No. 1 but his game it had been suffering since the French Open final. The North American swing saw him unable to gain momentum as he suffered two early exits in Montreal and Cincinnati.
But, the great players know how to find their best shape when they need it the most. A bit unconvincing during the first rounds, he gathered momentum once he has settled in.
On the other side will stand a first-time Grand Slam finalist as the 31-year-old South African Kevin Anderson sailed past Pablo Carreno Busta in the previous round. Anderson deserves all the credits for seizing the opportunity the moment it occurred.
