Rafael Nadal remains on course for a clash with Roger Federer after handing rising star Andrey Rublev a tough lesson in life with a comprehensive 6-1, 6-2, 6-2, thrashing in the quarter-finals of the US Open.
Fears of a blip similar to his earlier matches in New York were nowhere to be seen for Nadal. Instead, he dictated play from start to finish against somebody who once went to train with him in Mallorca. Hitting four aces, 21 winners and winning 75% of service points.
“It was a good match,” said Nadal. “For Andrey it was his first (grand slam) quarter-final and of course he played with more mistakes than usual.”
“It’s an important victory. Winning the last two matches in straight sets is great news for me. I’m just happy to be the semi finals again here in New York.”
Thursday’s match-up was a tale of two different worlds. Top seed Nadal is participating in his 51st grand slam main draw with the aim of clinching his 16th major title. In contrast Rublev, who was just six-years-old when Nadal won his first ATP title, was playing in only his fifth grand slam main draw.
The disparity between the two was noticeable from the start of the match. Nadal’s supremacy with his shot-making frustrated his Russian rival. Rublev delighted the audience with glimpses of his lightening forehand, but nerves cost him dearly. As a result, the top seed sealed the opening set in just 24 minutes. Producing seven winners and heavily benefitting from Rublev’s error count of 11.
Playing against somebody who said earlier in the week that he was their idol, Nadal was in full control of the match. Prompting an downbeat Rublev to make numerous glares towards his camp in the crowd. Midway through the second set a double fault from the 19-year-old moved the Spaniard to a 3-2 lead before he faced his first real test of the match. In the following game, Nadal was forced to fight back from 15-40. Passing that test with flying colours, the match was becoming a walk in the park. On the stroke of the 59-minute mark, a forehand down the line secured the 6-1, 6-2, lead.
Rublev’s New York fairy tale turned into one of nightmares as the errors continued. After exceeding expectations to reach his first major quarter-final, he was made to look somewhat ordinary by a resilient Nadal. The outcome was what many on the Arthur Ashe stadium expected, but not the manner in how it was achieved.
Strolling into his sixth US Open semifinal, Nadal achieved his most clinical victory of the tournament in a way that summarised the entire match. A lengthy exchange resulting in a Rublev error, his 43rd of the match. Handing the world No.1 his 53rd win of 2017.
“This year has been an emotional year. I have been playing very well, almost every tournament.”
Only one win separates the top seed from a showdown that the entire draw has been talking about since day 1. Roger Federer or Juan Martin del Potro awaits Nadal in the semifinals. Should Federer triumph over the Argentine, it will be the first time the two have ever clashed in New York in what will be their 38th tour meeting.
“It’s a match I want to see. It’s a match that I want to pay attention to. Two great players, a great show, and I will be waiting in the semifinals (for the winner).” The 31-year-old said.
“I hope to be ready for it. I know it will be very difficult, but at the same time the energy of this court is so special for me. I always have a great connection here (in New York) with the crowd.”
Federer and Del Potro will clash during the evening session at the Arthur Ashe stadium on Thursday.
