Thursday thoroughbreds

Written by: Staff on 9th September 2010

Thursday thoroughbreds |

Matches of the day:

Men’s quarter-finals:

Stanislas Wawrinka versus Mikhail Youzhny (not before 2pm, Arthur Ashe Stadium)

Wawrinka’s back-to-back wins over fourth seed Andy Murray and local favourite Sam Querrey suggest that he is marginal favourite for this one but it’s a close run thing. Youzhny’s is a substantial if mercurial talent and he is capable of stunning tennis. The fact that it only ever comes in bursts explains why he does not appear in the latter stages of grand slams more often. The Russian was a semi-finalist here at the US Open in 2006 and has been ranked as high as 8 (in January 2008), both of which indicate the threat he poses. He is beatable, but only if Wawrinka can summon the self-belief that is sometimes lacking in the Swiss No.2. What is certain is that this match is likely to have moments of joy for tennis purists, for these men possess two of the most watchable single-handed backhands in the current men’s game.

Rafael Nadal versus Fernando Verdasco (night session Arthur Ashe Stadium)

Anyone who watched the incredible Australian Open semi-final these two produced two years ago will salivate at the prospect of a rematch. On that occasion, Nadal triumphed in five sets by sheer force of will and that may end up being the difference again this time. One factor that will be in Verdasco’s favour will be the surface, which is considerably faster than the Plexicushion of Melbourne Park and should suit his game better. Verdasco should feel unbeatable after coming from two sets down to beat David Ferrer in the previous round and he will need every bit of that perceived invincibility against Nadal. For many, there is a feeling that destiny has ordained that this is going to be Nadal’s year to win the US Open and complete his set of grand slam titles, but the prosaic realities of tennis are likely to have far more bearing on the outcome of this match and the tournament. Nadal will have to play well and hope that the fireworks Verdasco is capable of producing are kept to a minimum – otherwise any talk of destiny is going to seem rather hollow.

Topics: Andy Murray, Arthur Ashe, Arthur Ashe Stadium, David Ferrer, Fernando Verdasco, Grand Slam Titles, Grand Slams, Invincibility, Latter Stages, Melbourne Park, Mikhail Youzhny, Moments Of Joy, Night Session, Quarter Finals, Rafael Nadal, Self Belief, Semi Finalist, Sheer Force, Stanislas Wawrinka, Thoroughbreds