We are one match away from wrapping up the Grand Slam action of 2017. The US Open Men’s Final would be played out between the Spanish bull Rafael Nadal and South African late-bloomer Kevin Anderson at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday night (Monday morning AEST).
There wouldn’t be many who would have seen Anderson coming through the bottom half – even though it was thrown wide open by injuries to top stars. At the same time, there wouldn’t be many who would be surprised at Nadal’s final appearance although he was fortunate to have avoided seeded players till the semis.
World number one Nadal had a quiet journey in New York where his run-in has not been perfect. But, his shrewd tactics combined with some good fortune carried him to the final. The latter because Juan Martin Del Potro knocked out his only competitor – Roger Federer – in the top-half. Del Potro was no match to Nadal in the semis although he took a set off him.
The 32nd ranked Anderson was the benefactor of an open bottom half knocking out local favourite Sam Querry in the quarters and the in-form Pablo Carreno Busta in the semis. The biggest worry for the South African is the feeling of self-satisfaction which could work against him in the final.
Anderson is the lowest ranked finalist in a Grand Slam tournament since Jo-Wilfried Tsonga did so in the 2008 Australia Open. He will also look to be the second Grand Slam Champion from South Africa after Johan Kriek who won the 1981 Australian Open.
The two players have faced each other four times so far with Nadal winning all of the matches. Three of those matches were on hard courts and the Spaniard has not just won these but completely dominated the matches, losing just one set in total.
Del Potro has shown how to take a set off Nadal but also proved that to win against the Spaniard, one needs to play at the highest level consistently. His booming serves will be very handy in testing Nadal but Anderson needs to play at his best to have any chance of an upset.
Odds of $1.14 (Ladbrokes) makes Nadal a strong favourite among the bookmakers while Anderson’s win is offered at odds of $6.50 (bet365). It will take a very aggressive punt to back the South African to win the title.
Considering the form that he is in, Anderson could pip at least a set off Nadal. Back the match to go to four sets at odds of $3.40 (Ladbrokes).
TIP: Rafael Nadal to win 3-1 - $3.40 at Ladbrokes
