US Open Tennis 2011 Results: Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray Breeze into Quarters on Astini News

The weather has given everyone fits at the 2011 US Open, including tennis tantrum specialist Andy Roddick, though clear skies on Thursday finally allowed Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray to breeze their way into the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows.

Though the climate conditions should be better the rest of the week, the delay in play will only make winning the event more difficult for these two, especially Nadal.

 

Rafael Nadal

No. 2 seed Nadal made quick work of Gilles Muller in his much-postponed match at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Rafa ceded a three-game advantage his competitor from Luxembourg on Wednesday before play was suspended due to rain. Once play resumed, Nadal had little trouble knocking Muller out in straight sets, 7-6 (7-1), 6-1, 6-2. The cramps that plagued Nadal after his third-round victory over David Nalbandian were nowhere to be found.

As such, the Spaniard was able to finish up quickly for a few extra hours of precious rest before his next match, against the 21st-seeded Roddick on Friday. Nadal has had plenty of success against Roddick in the past, claiming victory in six of his nine career matches against the angry American, though they've split their last two meetings.

Of greater concern to Rafa than who he faces, though, is whether his body can withstand the toll of four matches in four days to win the US Open. Said Nadal of the situation:

"That's not fair, but that's what it is."

What it is, is a big blow to Nadal's chances of defending his US Open title. The 2011 season has been a difficult one for Rafa as far as health is concerned, between cramps, blisters and finger problems. Remove rest from the equation for a player like Nadal, whose style of play is so physically taxing, and Rafa's longevity in the tournament becomes highly questionable.

 

Andy Murray

As for Andy Murray, he didn't waste any time dispatching Donald Young, America's once and former next great hope, in just under two hours, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3.

The fourth-seeded Briton was in fine form in front of fans in the Grandstands, though he, like Nadal, was anything but happy about conditions on the court. Murray will take full advantage of his quick finish before meeting 28th-seeded John Isner, who needed four long sets to defeat Gilles Simon in the quarters on Friday.

Murray has always been something of a softy in the world of men's tennis, which brings into question his ability to overcome the physical and emotional toll of playing four matches in four days like everyone else on his side of the bracket.

 

Nadal vs. Murray

Assuming Nadal and Murray advance past their American opposition in the quarters, they will meet in the semifinals of the US Open. These two have faced off 16 times before, with Nadal winning 12 of those matches, including a four-set victory at Wimbledon 2011.

The havoc wrought by weather on this tournament adds an intriguing element to this potential matchup. If Roddick gives Rafa fits on Friday, the advantage will go to Murray, if only slightly, as the healthier, better rested of the two.

Either way, though, Nadal should have enough left in the tank to dominate Murray with his aggressive style as he has so many times before.

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