Links
Preview Thread: www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A39775...
Live Scores: tinyurl.com/6rxbgz
Schedule: tinyurl.com/6yhdbu
Tournament Website: www.usopen.org/en_US/index.h...
Draw: tinyurl.com/6oo2e8
Interviews: tinyurl.com/622e9d

Day 8

-[1] Nadal vs Fish-
The world number 1 vs a home favourite, this match is sure to bring in a lot of the American fans. Mardy Fish, having never been past the 2nd round in NY before has beaten some impressive players this week.

Route to the Quarters	[1] Nadal	Fish
R128	[Q]Phau 7-6 6-3 7-6	Smeets 7-6 6-7 6-3 6-4
R64	[Q]De Heart 6-1 6-2 6-4	Mathieu 6-2 3-6 6-3 6-4
R32	Troicki 6-4 6-3 6-0	[9] Blake 6-3 6-3 7-6
R16	Querrey 6-2 5-7 7-6 6-3	[32]Monfils 7-5 6-2 6-2

Earlier this year Fish had the week of his life as he reached the final of Indian Wells, including a straight sets drubbing of then No.1 Roger Federer. Since then he has struggled for form until he reached the final of New Haven last week. In contrast Nadal was having a tough time in March but since then has become the most dominant force in tennis this year. They have played four times previously with the Spaniard yet to drop a set, so ominous signs for Fish. However this week Mardy has looked very impressive and Nadal arguably less so. Nadal had a tough 4th round match with Querrey which saw him fight for a 4 set victory, but he looked as if his schedule has finally caught up with him. Fish on the other hand looked very impressive against Monfils. The key for Fish is his forehand. His backhand is always good and his serve can be nigh unbreakable at times but often his forehand lets him down. He will have to be aggressive against Rafa or he will be dominated from the baseline. Equally Nadal cannot revert back to defensive play or he could be hit through by Fish. However Rafa has too much variety for his opponent in the end and after some tense moments will win in 4.

-[6] Murray vs [17]Del Potro
Two of the tours younger players here, and there's a bit of anticipation for this match because both are in good form, but also because of their feud earlier this year. Both have had some tough matches on their way to the quarterfinals but looked very impressive in their latest matches.

Route to the Quarters	[6] Murray	[17]Del Potro
R128	Roitman 6-3 6-4 6-0	Canas 4-6 7-6 6-4 6-1
R64	Llodra 6-4 1-6 7-5 7-6	Bellucci 4-6 6-1 7-5 6-3
R32	Melzer 6-7 4-6 7-6 6-1 6-3	Simon 6-4 6-7 6-1 3-6 6-3
R16	[10] Wawrinka 6-1 6-3 6-3	Nishikori 6-3 6-4 6-3

So as you can see it's been no easy task for either player to reach this stage, Murray dropping 3 sets, Del Potro 4. Both have had career years highlighted by this summer, Del Potro won 4 tournaments in a row, two on clay, two hard and has entered the top 20 for the first time (will be top 15 after NY) and Murray reached the quarters at Wimbledon, semis in Toronto and then won his first Masters Title in Cincinnati with a straight sets win over Djokovic. He is now No.6 in the worl and will be top 5 at the end of the week. The key to this match will be who is willing to be more aggressive at the right moments without being reckless. Del Potro has a brilliant first serve, Murray a brilliant return of serve. Del Potro has a huge forehand when it's on song but he can struggle for timing on it, Murray has a world class backhand that he rarely misses with. Both are competent volleyers but Murray is much more likely to approach the net. For 6'6" Del Potor moves very well but he is not as quick as Andy in defense. However unlike Murray he will always go for his shots. This will be a tough match for both players but in the end Murray will have too much variety for his opponent and win in 4 tight sets to end Del Potro's win streak.