Federer hoping for Nadal showdown
August 29, 2010 17:15:27 UK
Roger Federer wants to meet Rafael Nadal for the first time at the US Open this year - because doing so would mean the two would be contesting the final at Flushing Meadows.
Despite having won 20 of the last 23 grand slam titles between them, the world's top two players have never met in New York.
They have played eight times in total at the other grand slams, with Nadal winning six of those matches and 14 of their 21 tussles overall, although Federer has won 16 grand slams compared to the Spaniard's eight.
Outright betting for the US Open has Nadal at 2.00 while Federer can be backed at 2.10.
On bet365's Name the Finalists market, it's 1.72 that this year's US Open final is contested between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
With Nadal seeded first and Federer second, they can only meet in the final on September 12, although the likes of Britain's Andy Murray, world number three Novak Djokovic and Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych will be among those determined to prevent that happening.
"I think it would be great to play Rafa here," Federer said today at his pre-tournament press conference. "We have played in all the other majors but this one is missing.
"I hope we can do it this year, but if not we will both be around a little longer. I would love to play him but it can only be the final so we have some work to do first."
For the first time since 2005 Federer is not the defending champion at Flushing Meadows, having lost in the final last year to Juan Martin del Potro to end his five-year winning streak.
"I look back at the last six years and I've been incredibly successful," Federer said.
"Defending champion or not does not change a whole lot. There's a few less points to defend but I don't lose any sleep over that.
"Maybe there's an extra incentive after being just two points away last year. I felt that was one of the finals I should never have lost so it was very disappointing."
Federer will face Brian Dabul in his round one match on Monday, it's 1.005 that Federer proceeds and 21.00 that Dabul pulls off a major upset.
Nadal would become only the seventh man in history to win all four Grand Slam titles with victory in New York, but the 24-year-old insists he is not obsessing over such a feat.
"I want to win here but without obsession," Nadal said. "I'm more than happy with what I have, all the tournaments I've won, it's more than what I have dreamt of.
"For sure my personal satisfaction is going to be high if I win here, but the final of Roland Garros was very important to win again having lost the year before (in the fourth round to Robin Soderling).
"I won again at Wimbledon and it was amazing to win both tournaments."
Nadal's round one match is against Teimuraz Gabashvili, Nadal is fancied at 1.005 to win the match while Gabashvili can be backed at 21.00.
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