3 Reasons why Rafael Nadal can win the US Open

In his quest for the 18th Grand Slam title, Rafael Nadal had been handed a relatively easier draw than his peers at the 2018 US Open. But, as is the often the case in tennis, the players he had to face exceeded expectations and went toe-to-toe with the Spaniard.

Nadal, however, used his experience and might to see them off and reach a 29th Grand Slam semifinal. He faces Juan Martin del Potro in the semifinal and a potential clash against Novak Djokovic in the final looms large.

Here's a look at three major reasons why Rafael Nadal can win the US Open title:

#1: Experience and recent form

Nadal came into the US Open on the back of a record-breaking 33rd Masters 1000 title win in Toronto. Although he's never previously defended a title outside clay, this time it looks different. His recent form speaks for itself.

From 3rd round onwards, his opponents have put up a valiant effort to hurt his defense. Both Karen Khachanov and Nikoloz Basilashvili fought with what they had to offer. But, it was the 5-set epic against Dominic Thiem that really brought out Nadal's best tennis. Outlasting the hard-hitting Thiem in the final set tiebreaker, Nadal will feel confident for the rest of the week.

He has a satisfactory record against Del Potro, including last year's US Open semifinal win over him. Additionally, Nadal's experience may turn out to work in his favor over the weekend. A 3-time former champion at US Open, he has the best record from the four men remaining in the draw. Nadal has been through enough to know when to raise his level. And more often than not, he does so, when it matters the most!

#2: Mental edge over his opponents

Day Nine: The Championships - Wimbledon 2018

Nadal boasts of a healthy 11-5 lead over Del Potro. Further, he beat Del Potro at the same stage last year. Adding that to his two wins over the Argentine at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, Nadal will be raring to go for a win. Moreover, his recent Monte Carlo win over Kei Nishikori and the fact that Nishikori is often found fatigued in the later stages of a big tournament will help him gain a sizable lead over the Japanese.

Against Djokovic, it's a lot more complicated than that. The Serb is one of the very few players on tour who has a clear mental edge over Nadal. Why would Nadal feel confident against Djokovic then, should they meet in the final? It's because Djokovic has never quite lived up to his potential at US Open.

Since his 2011 win, he lost the final to Andy Murray in 2012, to Nadal in 2013 and to Stan Wawrinka in 2016. For all his epic wins at the Open, he has only two titles to show for it. Nadal meanwhile, is the defending champion and won their latest US Open match-up in 2013.

Of course, nothing is guaranteed in sports. But this could well turn out to be the deciding factor if Nadal and Djokovic face off for a record 53rd instalment of their esteemed rivalry.

#3: He is a fighter who doesn't stop until he gets what he wants

2018 US Open - Day 9

Rafael Nadal is one of the biggest warriors tennis has ever seen. He's often been down, but he's never been out. Nadal's greatest strength isn't his forehand, it's his mental strength. A lot of times, when his game isn't working, his ability to dig in and find a loophole in his opponent's game works with immediate effect.

Del Potro and whoever he faces in the final (if he beats the Argentine) won't be pushovers. He'll have to dig deep if he is to win the title. Especially against Djokovic, who is the most adept at frustrating Nadal and finding loopholes in his game, Nadal's mental strength will be put to test.

Nadal has never previously defended a title outside clay, be it an ATP title or a Grand Slam. But, with the form he's shown, coupled with his ability to go past hurdles, Nadal will feel extremely confident. Defending a non-clay title for the first time ever will add a new feather to his cap and significance as the world number 1.