Competing in his third US Open in 2005, Rafael Nadal was set for a strong campaign after impressive results in the first eight months. The 19-year-old won the first major crown at Roland Garros and won three Masters 1000 crowns to become world number one.
2 and Roger Federer’s closest rival. The Spaniard had yet to find a winning formula at the US Open despite excellent performances in Miami and Montreal earlier that year, passing two laps before losing to James Blake in four sets.
After beating Bobby Reynolds and Scoville Jenkins, Nadal tried to qualify for the last 16 in New York for the first time, doing his best but falling to Blake 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6- 1. Rafa performed well in the second set and early in the third, but that wasn’t enough to keep him safe, losing ground in pivotal moments to send James.
The local player stole his rival’s serve six times and started all over again in the third set to bring the victory home. When asked about the favorites, Rafa mentioned Roger Federer as the player to beat, giving him the most chance to defend the crown won a year ago.
The Spaniard predicted the other three semi-finalists, saying Lleyton Hewitt and Andre Agassi should reach the final laps, which they did. Roger beat Lleyton in the semifinals and ousted veteran Agassi 6-3, 2-6, 7-6, 6-1 in two hours and 19 minutes for his sixth major title after just 24 years old.
Serving at 76%, Federer blasted 44 service winners and had the upper hand with his forehand to control the pace in the rally and keep the pressure on his rival, especially in sets one and four.
Andre scored three breaks out of six opportunities, which wasn’t enough for a more favorable result, as he lost 44% of the points in his matches and faced no less than 18 break chances, fending off 14 of them and always ending in defeat. side.
Roger prevailed in the third set and stormed Andre in the fourth to continue where he had left in New York 12 months earlier. “Every player has a chance to win the tournament, but for me Roger Federer is the big favorite.
Lleyton Hewitt also has the opportunity, but he’s in the same half as Roger. Andre Agassi also plays well; I give him more chances than Blake, ”said Rafael Nadal.
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