The Spaniard, No. 2 worldwide, will look for a fourth title at Flushing Meadows, his 19th Grand Slam against the man in the form of the hard summer season.
Rafael Nadal, no 2, qualified Friday, September 6 for the final of the US Open where he will face Daniil Medvedev (5e) in his quest for a fourth title at Flushing Meadows, his 19e in Grand Slam. The Spaniard eliminated Italian Matteo Berrettini (25e) 7-6 (8/6), 6-4, 6-1 in 2:35.
"The first set was frustrating because I had a lot of break points and he (Matteo Berrettini) not one. And we do not want to be in a tie-break against him! "Rafael Nadal explained in reference to the terrible service of his opponent of the day.
Throughout the match, the transalpine player did not have a single break point, while the Spaniard won 4 of 16. However, in the first set the Italian led 5-2, then 6- 4 and therefore had four set balls. But the Spaniard then lined up 4 points to win the round.
"I was lucky to win this first round and after the match became easier little by little and I'm happy to be in the final after a difficult start to the season" because of the injuries, said Rafael Nadal.
He will play Sunday his 5e final of the US Open: of the four already played he has won three (2010, 2013, 2017) and lost a face to Novak Djokovic in 2011. If he wins the title Sunday, the Spaniard will be more than a record length of titles in major tournaments in men, held by Roger Federer (20). The other member of "Big 3", the no 1 Djokovic world is at 16.
"He progresses every week"
He will face the man in the form of the North American summer hard drive, Daniil Medvedev – he played the finals of the three tournaments preceding Flushing Meadows, winning the one in Cincinnati (Ohio). "He's one of the strongest players on the circuit. He progresses every week »acknowledged Rafael Nadal, who had easily defeated him in the Masters 1000 final in Montreal.
Daniil Medvedev won in three sets against Grigor Dimitrov (7-6, 6-4, 6-3), qualifying for the first time in his Grand Slam final while winning his 50e match of the season (best total for an ATP player).
The Cincinnati winner took advantage of his efficiency after passing his first ball with ten aces and 75% points on first serve. Sometimes manhandled by his opponent (39 points to 22 Bulgarian winners), the no 5 world has been decisive on the important points.
