For a change, Nadal says, "I feel perfect."

No one in the Open field can say they haven't been forewarned.

And despite all the other very good contenders (ex: Murray), everybody wants a Nadal / Federer final. A kind of final that hasn’t happened since they played at the Madrid Open in May and that hasn’t occurred in the US in many years.

“Rafa is healthy, happy, feeling well and practicing hard,” Costa said. “All that together with his mental toughness and his will to win all four Slams is a good combination to see him achieve one of his dreams of winning the U.S. Open. That it’s all taking place in New York makes it very special.”
A reduced schedule this season has ensured that previously chronic knee and abdominal ailments no longer bedevil Nadal.
“He really feels like he’s got to strike now,” said tennischannel.com columnist Steve Flink. “He’s very aware of timing and history and all of that. ... This time I think he really is priming for it.”

Rafael Nadal: As I said, I think Nadal can win the US Open but for me his biggest obstacle is winning those back-to-back semifinal and final matches against quality competition on a fast hardcourt. Thats a tall order.

My guess is in the next 5-7 years if Nadals still around the US Open will add a day in between the semis and finals, and Nadal will have a better chance for his win. Otherwise, if the competition that final weekend is stiff and it usually always is the odds are stacked against the guy.

But the Rafa is the best fighter in the game and even though his last hardcourt title came back in March of 2009 at Indian Wells, you always have to give him a chance especially when hes healthy. If upsets do happen then the door could be open for Nadal.