NEW YORK (Reuters) – Rafael Nadal is full of confidence and ready to defend his U.S. Open title, having enjoyed a blockbuster 2017 by claiming the French and US majors after a three-year Grand Slam trophy drought.
The world number one told reporters on Friday that his strong performances this season — including clinching yet another Roland Garros title in June — have given him momentum heading into the fourth major of the year next week.
“That’s important for the feelings, the confidence,” Rafa said. “I am here just trying to improve every day.”
For Rafa, whose record 11 French Open titles have earned himself the moniker King of Clay, trophies on the U.S. Open’s hard courts have been relatively harder to come by. Before 2017, Rafa had won the tournament twice, in 2010 and 2013.
Despite a semi-final exit at Wimbledon last month, the Spaniard is relying on memories of last year’s win at Flushing Meadows to spur him on.
“Last year was a very special year. 2015 was not a positive year in terms of tennis,” Rafa said, referring to the period when he struggled for form.
“To win on hard court again is something that means a lot to me, especially here in New York.”
Source: Reuters
Come on Rafa, go for that no 18 GS title.
Him winning Toronto is a good sign that he will go all the way to the finals of the US Open. Hoping for that 4th US Open title. Creeping up very slowly to Federer’s 20 GS. WOW.
Good luck to Rafa for US Open.
VAMOS RAFA No 1 to us.
Wamos Rafa, the king of tennis and the best ever.
Best of luck for your US Open 2018 venture.
You can do it, #18
VAMOS RAFA
Tu si k puedes..adelante a por ese trofeo..tu nivel està para ganarlo..siempre contigo…
All the best and Vamos Rafa <3
Among the active players, Rafa has won the most USO titles after Fed. He’s better than other so called better HC players at the USO.
The court at the USO suits Rafa’s game, and he’s entering the USO this year with confidence, filled with positive feelings and playing very well. Here’s wishing Rafa a successful defense of his USO title!
Vamos Rafa!
Rafa for sure will be able to defend his US Open title, being confident and in good form, he has a big chance to win the trophy again. Vamos and best of luck.💪💪
🍀🎾🍀🎾🍀🎾❤️