[2] Rafael Nadal (ESP) will get another chance to win another major title (19) and close the gap between himself and [3] Roger Federer (SUI), who has twenty major titles. Yet, it is not a foregone conclusion that he will win as his final opponent, [5] Daniil Medvedev (RUS), has proven that he is a quick study, who makes adjustments to his game to counter what his opponent did previously to defeat him. In their recent encounter at the Coupe Rogers in August, Nadal dismantled Medvedev 6-3, 6-0. Medvedev knows now what he must change and is ready for Nadal today.
Pressure will be the variable today
The pressure will be tremendous for both opponents today. One wonders if the pressure will be greater for Nadal since so much more is at stake if he wins; yet, it may be equally the same for both players given that this will be the first major title for Medvedev if he is able to pull off the upset. But the degree of pressure becomes irrelevant in the end because the negative effects of pressure will be present for both and what matters most is which player will mentally manage the emotions and the occasion better and who will physically perform better under the stress.
Experience favors Nadal
Both players have shown they are vulnerable to pressure, which is no surprise because even the greats get anxious and have some doubt. Nadal struggles on his serve and his shots lose depth when he is tense. Medvedev gets irritable and loses the precision on his serve and forehand. Experience may give Nadal the advantage; however, the hunger that Medvedev is feeling to win his first major title may neutralize the advantage that the Spaniard has.
Do not expect the same score as their recent encounter, instead, expect the Russian to leave it all on the court in a battle against the Spaniard. I hope they both bring their best tennis and of course, I hope Nadal wins.
SOURCE OF IMAGES: serveandrally originals (Rafael Nadal); Zimbio.com (Getty Images North America)
