Analysis for Nadal-Istomin (ATP US Open)

Head-to-head record 1:0

2010 London (Queen's Club) Nadal-Istomin 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-4

We have already said a lot about Nadal and with all the respect to him, we simply don’t think his price is fair here. He plays with a strong two-handed backhand, well-angled topspin heavy strokes, fast mobility on the court, excellent defense, and a preference to play from the deep court. But he is overrated in the long term and same applies today. He hasn’t played his best tennis against Gabashvili.

Uzbek player Denis Istomin was said to be a player of big potential but has never prove it among the pros. On the other hand, he played solid first round match with Gonzalez (7-5, 7-5, 6-1). His performance in New Haven was also brilliant – He defeated Becker, Lacko, Gabashvili, Troicki and lost to Stakhovsky in final.

We don’t think that Nadal is such a big favourite against the well playing Istomin.