US Open '09: Rafael Nadal Plays a Perfect 'Rafa' Match Against Monfils

After a tough match against his compatriot Nicholas Almagro, where Rafael Nadal faced issues with his serve, movement and a suspect abdominal injury, many speculated about the Spaniard's chances to go deep into the only major which has eluded him so far. If his fourth-round contest against Gael Monfils is any indication, Rafael Nadal has put to rest a lot of these doubters and has roared into the quarterfinals claiming that he is absolutely fit, and raring to go. To add icing on the cake, this win has confirmed that Nadal will be able to displace Andy Murray and take back his position at the world No. 2 when the rankings come out next week. Amidst all the speculation about the severity on Rafa’s injury and the effect that it would have on his career, he has temporarily put these to rest as he played a perfect match by his standards against the tough Frenchman. Monfils came out aguns blazing right from the start. He was serving big, and looked highly motiv...