Defending Champion Rafael Nadal advanced to second round of US Open in straight sets victory over Andrey Golubev (6-3, 7-6, 7-5) yesterday. It was a hard fought victory for the 10 time GS champion. Everyone was left wondering to the cause of it; so I thought let’s look at 2010 victory and see what changed. If we remember, one of the most important reasons for Nadal was his service (broken only 5 times last year here) due to which he was able to complete his career slam last year at US Open:
Here is an interesting stat for all to see:
Rafael Nadal | Overall 2010 US Open | 2010 US Open Ist Round | 2011 US Open Ist Roun |
1st Serve % | 64% | 69/103 = 67% | 61/94 = 65 |
Aces | 6 | 7 | 6 |
Double Faults | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Unforced Errors | 23 | 29 | 16 |
Winning % on 1st Serve | 84% | 54/69 = 78% | 40/61 = 66% |
Winning % on 2nd Serve | 67% | 24/34 = 71% | 16/33 = 48% |
Winners | 27 | 30 | 18 |
Receiving Points Won | 40% | 43/121 = 36% | 63/122 = 52% |
Break Point Conversions | 42% | 2/10 = 20% | 8/22 = 36% |
Net Approaches | 70% | 15/19 = 79% | 8/13 = 62 |
Fastest Serve Speed | 132 | 131 MPH | 133 MPH |
Average 1st Serve Speed | 118 | 117 MPH | 115 MPH |
Average 2nd Serve Speed | 88 | 89 MPH | 87 MPH |
If you look at the highlighted column, you will realize that his serve has really gone (almost 18%) down. This is one of the reasons why he lost in Rogers Cup and Cincy too. Even the number of his winners has gone down. And yesterday's match was no different. His first and second serve point has considerably gone down and if Nadal has to leave his mark this year, this is one area he will have to work upon- otherwise it will be very difficult for him against players like Murray and Djokovic (best returners in the game) to go and defend his title!
(PS- I will be posting similar interesting stats and news about Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic & Andy Murray further in the day and throughout the tournament for the top 4. Also I will be at US Open this year from coming Saturday. So don’t miss to catch the latest pictures of your favorite player. Stay tuned and please don't forget to join my Facebook Page, Twitter or Site to catch all these interesting updates)
If you have any questions- You can mail me at apekshaha@gmail.com