US Open: Federer eager to rekindle Nadal rivalry

Swiss looks to get past Robredo in today’s fourth-round encounter.

NEW YORK:

Roger Federer is eager to rekindle his rivalry with Rafael Nadal for the first time at the US Open in what would be a blockbuster clash at night, when he has been virtually unbeatable.

The 17-time major winner could face Nadal in the quarter-finals with the dream match-up almost certain to take place under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, where Federer has won 22 of 23 matches.

His only loss in the traditionally raucous evening sessions came at the hands of Juan Martin Del Potro in the 2009 final.

“I understand the urge of the press to try to go there already, which is entirely normal,” said Federer, keen not to get too carried away as he still has to get past Tommy Robredo in today’s fourth round before a potential quarter-final match-up with Nadal.

“I have gone through that my entire career, people talking about our matches even before the tournament started.

“We’re used to it. We know how to handle it. Clearly I think we both hope it’s going to happen this time for the first time in New York.”

Five-time champion Federer clinched another night victory in New York on Saturday with a comfortable 6-3, 6-0, 6-2 win over French world number 63 Adrian Mannarino.

Nadal, the 2010 champion, had earlier cruised past Croatia’s Ivan Dodig, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3, to set-up a last-16 clash with Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 2^nd, 2013.

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