US Open 2013, 2nd semi-final: Can Gasquet upset Nadal to reach maiden Grand Slam final?

Zee Media Bureau/Chaitan Papnai

New York: The ‘King of Clay’ Rafael Nadal is all set to play the second semifinal of the US Open 2013 on Saturday against Frenchman Richard Gasquet on Saturday. Though, Nadal is a clear favourite in the match, but one can’t write off his opponent, at least at the moment, when we have already seen so many major upsets in the last Slam of the year – US Open. The eighth-seeded Gasquet reached the semis by eliminating fourth-seeded David Ferrer of Spain 6-3, 6-1, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3 in their quarter-final on Wednesday. Before this, Gasquet only managed to reach the semifinals of a Grand Slam once, during the 2007 Wimbledon. Rafa is in outstanding form and Gasquet has to come up with something really special to beat the Spaniard. Nadal, in his last match, demolished Federer-conqueror Tommy Robredo to book his place in the semis. Even if we see the track record between Gasquet and Nadal, its 10-0 in Nadal’s favour, which means Gasquet still has to open his account against the World Number two. The only match the Frenchman has won against Nadal was at the age of 13 in southern France. Though, the money is on Nadal, it would be interesting to see tonight whether Gasquet manages to give Rafa a fight or not – or may be another upset is on the cards. You never know.