Ex-Grand Slam champion backs Rafael Nadal to win US Open

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Former doubles world No. 1 Mark Knowles acknowledged that Rafael Nadal "knows how to win Majors" and that's why he definitely believes the Spaniard can win the US Open. 

Nadal hasn't had an ideal preparation for the US Open as he was out for a month and a half before returning to action last week in Cincinnati. 

In his lone match played leading up to the US Open, Nadal suffered a shock loss to Borna Coric. 

Despite the not-so-great preparation, Knowles is backing Nadal to go all the way. 

"Rafael Nadal knows how to win Majors. He has got a great draw early. Only time Rafa gets in a bit of trouble on hardcourt is early. I like his chances. He has got to play himself in," Knowles said on Tennis Channel, via Sportskeeda. "He has got Alcaraz possibly if they both advance to the semifinal, I am going to go with experience. Medvedev has got a tricky draw, depending on what happens in the Nick Kyrgios section. I am going with Rafael Nadal on the men's side."

Knowles predicts good runs for Nadal, Nick Kyrgios

Australian tennis legend Knowles believes Kyrgios is primed for another strong Grand Slam run.

After reaching his first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon, Kyrgios is considered as someone who could make some noise at Flushing Meadows as well. 

"I am going to go with a Round of 16 run (for Kyrgios)," said Knowles. "It (Kokkinakis) is a tricky matchup. He (Kyrgios) would have picked anybody else rather than his good friend, his doubles partner Kokkinakis. I love the form. I love the commitment of Kyrgios that he has shown in the last couple of months - the nice run to the final at Wimbledon. I think that has invigorated him to have a little bit more belief in the Majors. We are going to see a more mature Nick Kyrgios at this year's Open. I think he will be able to overcome the obstacle of playing a really good friend."

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/zvCsoAr

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