Andy Murray Narrows Sights on First Major
Yesterday it was officially announced that Rafael Nadal will not be taking part in the US Open at Flushing Meadows, which begins on the 27th of August.
With Nadal unable to cope with an ongoing knee injury, which was aggravated in his memorable loss to Lukas Rosol at Wimbledon, he has opted to take treatment rather than risk further damage. It is a blow to the spectators who had hoped the Spaniard would take part in the major tournament.
For others it has instilled fear that he may be out for some time. In a heady time for men’s tennis, the world no. 2 would certainly add to the attraction of any events and having taken this decision many are left wondering when he will next make the court.
For the rest of the top 4 it is a case of sending get well soon messages and setting up for their own grab for a title.
Andy Murray said of Nadal: “I’m disappointed for him, it’s obviously tough. He’s had trouble with his knees in the past. So I hope he can rest, doesn’t come back too early, and gets them fixed so he can get back to playing his best tennis.”
Although this would have been said with the most sincere of intentions, it would indeed be understandable if Murray did mean something else when he mentioned that Nadal should not rush back.
Murray is in good form and is confident. He rallied from his Wimbledon final defeat to best Roger Federer and claim an Olympic gold medal, as well as silver in the mixed doubles. He must now feel that he can compete for almost any major, even if Nadal were to be involved. Of course, a draw without him is that much easier.
After defeating Sam Querrey in the Cincinnati Open second round, last night, Murray must be hopeful that he can carry his Olympic success over, into the US Open.
In the last three years Murray has let his standards slip at Flushing Meadows, but after making a Wimbledon final and defeating Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer to achieve Olympic gold, he will be raring to play in New York.
