Rafael Nadal is defeated by Marcos Baghdatis in the quarterfinal. Scores are 4-6, 6-4, 4-6.
 
I forgot how intense & painful the hardcourt seasons are to us Rafaholics especially me, I'm going to be totally honest here & say that Rafa didn't play his best & yet I still think he managed to make the match very competitive.. Marcos had to play a hell of a match to defeat Rafa. His serve was phenomenal & punished Rafa's backhand. He continuously pressured Rafa. He all know how Rafa loves to run around his forehand ..

Perhaps Rafa isnt really too focused on the USOpen series maybe he's not pushing himself too much, saving himself for the biggest major that he has yet sink his teeth into? Perhaps Rafa is just using these events as a warm up tournaments.. let's be honest a quarter-final result is still a great one for someone who clearly struggles on hardcourts.


I also have been going through his various interviews to mean that he did not have anywhere near his normal hardcourt prep before Toronto, and has been working on the different aspects of his game, the serve and also he keeps mentioning his backhand. If there would be one thing I would hope Rafa tweeked would be to be more effective on the return & try to go for more winners from jump..When he does he controls the points better.
He is also takes precautions to avoid a repeat of 2009 injuries. I hope that NYC & the overall feel of my hometown will allow Rafa to find his best form again.
 

I await your return Rafa..