U.S. Open Day Seven Preview: Nadal and Murray Usher in Labor Day Weekend

  Queens, New York—Sunday’s action at the Billy Jean King National Tennis Center will feature the No. 2 and No. 3 players in the world. First up on Ashe Stadium will be Mr. highlight reel himself, Rafael Nadal. Nadal appeared rusty in his second round win over Nicolas Kiefer on Friday, and will need to pick up his level against fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro. Nadal does hold a 3-0 H2H lead over Almagro, with every match being contested on clay-courts. Will Almagro’s chances of victory differ with the asphalt under his feet? Probably not. If Almagro has a weakness, it’s his movement. If Nadal has one strength (he certainly has more than one), it’s his foot speed. Based on that plus-minus alone, Nadal is the clear-cut favorite in this encounter. Almagro has one of the best kick serves in business, and possesses a devastating one-handed backhand. The No. 32 seed has slumped all season, and I don’t think he believes he can defeat the best player...