US Open Quarter Final Preview

Before I start this blog I have to say this is one of the strongest last eight I have seen at a Grand Clam for some time. I honestly believe that these are the eight best players in the world right now, no doubt. Therefore I expect a climax that will rival Wimbledon of 2007, it could be special.

Rafael Nadal vs. Mardy Fish: Both men have cruised through the first week to get to this stage and couldn't be in better form right now. Nadal as we all know is in the middle of a purple patch and a period of his career that might never compare to this. This is surely his moment to shine. His serve in this tournament has particulary impressed me and has varstly improved, like he could improve anymore. Fish, as good as he is should be knocked aside here really, not only has he played more sets and games than Nadal but Nadal holds five years in age over the American. Nadal in four sets for me

Juan Martin Del Potro vs. Andy Murray: Probably the most even of the quarter-finals pits the British Number one against the fastest improving player on the tour. Murray is in his second Grand Slam quarter-final of the year and his second in his career to highlight his own resurgence. Del Potro is in a streak of form that even Rafael Nadal would be jealous of. Four sucessive tourmanment wins has taken Del Potro from a world ranking of 67 to number 17 in the world. This last eight achievement will improve his ranking even more as he ste shis sights on a top ten finish. Murray played what was comprehensivly his best match on tour, it was perfect in everyway. This should be a facinating match and with the winner set to meet Nadal in the semi-final it will be all to play for. I'm going for the sixth seed Andy Murray in five sets over his Argentine rival.

Andy Roddick vs. Novak Djokovic: For me this is the pick of the quarter-final line-up former US Open champion Roddick against Australian Open Champion Djokovic. The serb's form has slid a little since his Aussie Open win, a 3rd round exit at Wimbledon combined with a Masters series loss against Andy Murray has let Djokovic down since his galent victory in Melbourne. Roddick has been in a transition period in his career. After a disapointing Wimbledon his resurgence has been slow but encouraging for the home faithful. Both men will be eagert to have a go at Roger Federer after the year he has had and would fancy themselves to make the final if pitted against the swede. I think this could be a classic and I can barely pick a winner. I'll stick my neck out and go for Roddick with the home crowd behind him to come home in five.

Giles Muller vs. Rodger Federer: Federer has had a comfortable journey to this years quarter final and with all the attention on Nadal he has finally been able to get on with his tennis. Muller has impressed hugely on his way to this stage and has knocke dout some high profile opponents. Nicoly Davydenko the number fifth seed underestimated Muller has he heraded for a defeat in four sets. This man should not be underestimated, Federer whoose five set match in the fourth round showed that5 hs is vulnerable will not want the vulture circuling his career just yet. Federer for me in straight sets to meet his old rival Andy Roddick in the semi-final.