Nadal needs to pounce on Gasquet earlyDay 3 Preview: It comes as no surprise that the most intriguing matchup of the day features former number one and six-time grand-slam champion, Rafael Nadal versus Richard Gasquet from France. Both players are returning to the grand stage after being absent for two very different reasons.
The 3rd-seeded Nadal was unable to defend his Wimbledon title this year because of tendonitis in both of his knees. He’s played only a handful of matches coming in and admits to having some difficulty getting back into the speed of the game.
Gasquet once was ranked as high as number 7 in the world. He was out of the game for a couple months after testing positive for a banned substance in May 2009. In a bizarre chain of events, the International Tennis Federation lifted a possible two-year suspension because they determined that Gasquet had kissed a girl who had been using cocaine. Ummmm, ok.
So these two will battle in Arthur Ashe Stadium this afternoon to see who can advance to the second round. Gasquet is a tough player who has a history of losing focus. Factor in some flaky behavior and I expect Rafa to take him out in four.
The quirky scheduling Gods have determined that Federer will play his 2nd round match on Arthur Ashe Stadium after the completion of Nadal’s first round match – go figure?
Both Serena and Venus Williams will be in action today. Keep a close eye on Venus to see how she’s moving and whether or not that knee will allow her to compete for this year’s title.
Other notable players on tap for today include Kim Clijsters, Amelie Mauresmo and my darkhorse pick on the men’s side, 7th seeded Juan Martin Del Potro from Argentina. Del Potro had an amazing summer and may fly under the radar all the way to the semis. He’s slated to play the last match of the day at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
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