The reasons Rafa can rule in NYC again

80 and counting for Rafa

It was the hard court swing pretty much exactly a decade ago (August 18, 2008) when Rafael Nadal first reached the summit of the world rankings.

Well, fast forward 10 years and the Roland Garros champion assembled a scorching week to lift a fourth Rogers Cup.

The path was impressive too. Having shaken off the rust against Benoit Paire, the 32-year-old edged a rejuvenated Stan Wawrinka, prevailed from a set down against Marin Cilic, before claiming the crucial tie-breaks over ‘Next Gen’ prodigies Karen Khachanov and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

A variety of players, a variety of tactical conundrums, but Nadal conjured up the answers.

His Toronto triumph was an 80th ATP trophy and it clearly meant a lot.

Wimbledon maintained the momentum

The story from south west London might have been Novak Djokovic finally re-emerging to his devastating best, but Nadal managed to carry over a scintillating standard of play from the Parisian red dirt.

His quarter-final clash with Juan Martin del Potro was a pulsating five-set thriller, which served only as a precursor for an absolute classic with Djokovic in the semi-finals.

The shot making, defiance and drama had the Centre Court crowd on their feet on multiple occasions in the 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(9), 3-6, 10-8 battle.

“I think a fantastic level of tennis for both of us. I think I was not a spectator, but I think was a great show for the fans,” reflected the world No.1 at Wimbledon. 

“Of course, not happy with the final result. Of course, happy about being part of this match that have been a great one.I go for holidays proud of the things that I'm doing.”

Rafa is ready and rested

Whilst the majority of the top seeds contended with the challenging stormy conditions in Cincinnati, Nadal put his feet up and surveyed the chasing pack.

Obviously, the defending US Open champion will see Djokovic as the main threat to his crown. The Serbian continued to soar, completing his ‘Golden Masters’ in style with a straight-sets passage past Roger Federer.

With Djokovic in such commanding form, it was perhaps a wise call to recharge the batteries for a potential New York showdown.

‘Tennis is a high-demanding sport in terms of physical effort. But it's true I cannot forget that I am older every year,” insisted Nadal, having withdrawn from Cincinnati. “If I want to continue playing for a long time on tour, I need to save energy. I need to choose the right places to play.”

A warning to the rivals

This isn’t exactly breaking news, but the almighty roar Nadal let out having clinched the title in Toronto proved his unquenchable desire for further trophy-laden success.

Forever the perfectionist, Nadal indicated in Canada that he won ugly, found a way against the highest calibre of players to etch his name onto the trophy slate.

A couple more weeks on the practice courts and the Spaniard evidently expects to ratchet up his level of play a couple more gears.

“Win when you are playing fantastic of course is great and is so important. But it's easier. So be able to manage to win a lot of matches when you were not playing that well, and especially in big events, that makes a big difference,” declared the 17-time Major champion. “So this victory have a bigger value for me than others.

“It’s true that during the tournament I have been improving since the beginning. So I think that the process was completely normal. But at the same time, the good thing is the process have been quick and positive because I was able to find a way all the time.”

New York triumvirate

Three titles from four finals, Nadal thrives on the zipping hard courts at Flushing Meadows.

Forget talk of the ‘King of Clay’ the 32-year-old can produce mesmerising tennis on any surface, as proven with his 2010, 2013 and 2017 US Open successes.

The curving serve still waves to an awkward height for opponents, he steps up on return nearer the baseline to apply instant pressure and Nadal also flourishes in the furore of a New York night session. The raucous crowds adore his relentless endeavour and application.

Healthy, replenished and in fizzing form – the chasing pack will be wary of Rafa.