Can Rafael Nadal Complete Career Slam in US Open 2010?

Rafael Nadal has recently retained the top spot in ATP ranking after clinching the Wimbledon 2010 title. This has been the Spaniard’s 2^nd Wimbledon success after his triumph in Wimbledon 2008. Out of his 8 Grand Slam singles titles, 5 came in French Open, 2 in Wimbledon and 1 in Australia Open. So, the Majorca-born tennis star now needs the US Open title to complete a prestigious career slam.

Rafael Nadal is now one of the hot favorites to win the US Open 2010 title. It is true that the ‘King of Clay Court’ has even never reached the final of US Open, but given his recent hot-shot form it is pretty much understandable that Nadal has all the chances to win the US Open 2010 title.

The most important thing is that Roger Federer is no more invincible in Wimbledon and US Open. Last year, Federer lost to Juan Martín del Potro in the US Open final, and thus, failing to clinch his 6^th successive US Open title. Federer’s current form is not satisfactory either as he even failed to reach the semi final of both French Open and Wimbledon this year.

There is no doubt, Roger Federer has already become a legend in tennis and is arguably the greatest ever men’s tennis player. However, since 2008 the Swiss great has been gradually losing his dominance.

On the other hand, Rafael Nadal has been progressively getting into his best since 2008. Nadal’s rise in tennis started with his first French Open title in 2005, but the Spaniard’s dominance was restricted to French Open until 2008.

Since his triumph in Wimbledon 2008 where he defeated Federer in an epic final, Nadal’s dominance started spreading in other Grand Slam tournaments too. For example, since French Open 2008, Nadal won 5 out of 10 Grand Slam tournaments so far including his first Wimbledon title in 2008 and first Australian Open title in 2009.

However, Rafael Nadal is yet to show his dominance in US Open. So, the upcoming US Open 2010 is a big test for him. Despite the lack-luster recent form, Federer would like to make a strong come back by winning the US Open title, while the players like Tomáš Berdych and Robin Söderling would also make the task tougher for Nadal.