It’s rare that a game can captivate the audience. The best contests are ones played at the highest stakes. Recent Super Bowl memories involving my Giants, who once again will play the Patriots four years later, come to mind. Most notably, last year’s World Series that saw the Cards down to their final out in Game Six only to break Texas hearts in epic fashion. You never know when you’re going to see a game for the ages that won’t ever be forgotten.

I’ve always been a huge tennis fan. Grew up playing it and idolizing Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe. A classic 80′s kid who always rooted against Ivan Lendl. To my kid eyes, he was the bad guy who wrecked more U.S. Opens for Connors and McEnroe. Back then, that’s just how it was. Sports were different. More patriotic. Good versus evil. Now, almost all athletes are embraced unless you turn your back on a city like LeBron James, fitting the classic bad guy role to a tee in Miami. The kind of story big media companies like ESPN need for ratings. Milk it for all its worth. All week, we’ll hear about Eli Manning and Tom Brady. Can Brady exact revenge four years later or will Eli etch his name in stone among great quarterbacks by winning a second Super Bowl, joining the likes of Starr, Bradshaw, Montana and Elway to rattle off a few. Only Brady and Ben Roethlisberger are active QBs that’ve won at least two Super Bowls.

While the debate will go all the way up to game time, we’ll devote this space to a new tennis rivalry born following an epic match played between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. In the longest played grand slam final in the Open Era, Djokovic repeated as champion by prevailing in five grueling sets over Nadal, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 7-5, capturing his second consecutive Australian Open (third down under). A match that featured twists and turns along with death defying rallies which even left us breathless lasted a ridiculous five hours and fifty-three minutes. To put that into perspective, most hockey and basketball games take at most two and a half hours. The only thing that compares is an epic NHL playoff game that goes four overtimes, keeping fans up into early hours.

The difference is neither Djokovic or Nadal had an extended period off. Aside from a brief rain delay before they closed the roof at Melbourne Park, the two combatants only used changeovers to replenish energy burnt. Some games take forever to complete due to the ferocity of the points. It’s those that go to multiple deuces and see groundstroke for groundstroke matched along with running fit for a marathon that mesmerize tennis fans. Beside the physical toll it takes, there’s also the mental battle as well which see both players go through peaks and valleys. For two straight sets, the defending champion from Serbia had the No.2 ranked Spaniard on the ropes, pinning him six feet behind the baseline with heavy forehands and backhands struck with such force and precision that it was a miracle Nadal got most back. Having beaten Rafa in six straight finals, Nole had the mental edge. Serve big and go for broke, often to Nadal’s backhand where the errors have come. If not, then a short reply allowed Djoker to pounce as he did with a thumping forehand up the line to clinch an easy third set.

Would Nadal wilt under all the pressure? He’d lost to Djokovic at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open after defeating Roger Federer at the French. Federer did him a huge favor last year, ending Djokovic’s 43-match win streak with a tremendous semifinal triumph to reach the final at Roland Garros. Speaking of Federer, he hasn’t won a slam since the 2010 Australian Open- meaning that either Nadal (2 Frenches, Wimbledon and U.S. Open) or Djokovic (2 Australians, Wimbledon and U.S. Open) have shared the last eight. Rafa beat his top rival in four sets by again outbattling Federer, who blew a set and break lead. Another chink in the armor of the all-time winningest grand slam champion who still holds the record with 16. As Roger hits his 30′s, the question lingers whether he can add one more with Djokovic No.1 in the world while Nadal chases much like he did with Federer. Toss Andy Murray into the mix, who only took Djokovic five sets before falling in another crazy semifinal, and that’s three younger players who all pose a threat to the Maestro.

Sometimes, when you’re back’s against the wall, you let go. Djokovic was able to do that against Federer down match point at their memorable U.S. Open semifinal last Fall. The sound of that return winner crosscourt still can be heard along with a wild eruption from a mostly pro-Federer Arthur Ashe swayed by Novak to lend him support. Federer was never the same in body language and mind, allowing the more determined player to pull off the comeback. It’s what Nole does best. If he’s not overpowering opponents with unbelievable shots off full out sprints, Djoker is causing chaos with the best return in the game, constantly applying pressure. Andre Agassi was the standard when it came to returning with only Connors better. Djokovic might already be better than Andre. He’ll turn 25 later this year and now has gone from one major to five in a year. Amazing how things change. The confidence with which he plays with allows him to believe he can pull out any match no matter the pressure. Even if his legs start to weaken as was the case Sunday night, Nole is able to find that extra gear. 

In the previous six losses, Nadal was unable to push back against Djokovic. He never put him in a vulnerable position. However, his focus was incredible during a tight fourth set where he needed to hold serve every time. While Novak held much easier, Rafa’s games were a struggle but never more so than when he was love-40 with basically three match points for Djokovic. One foul up and it was curtains as ESPN team Chris Fowler, Patrick McEnroe and Brad Gilbert concluded. Instead of giving in, there was Rafa fighting with that warrior’s spirit that makes him such a crowd pleaser. Running down shots and then ripping an inside out forehand just out of Djokovic’s reach to ward off a second break chance, followed by a surprising backhand down the line that wrong footed the defending champ. Nadal saved all four break points by elevating his game. He served bigger and went for his shots. Something that hadn’t happened enough against the man we call Djoker. Only there’s nothing to joke about following one of the greatest seasons in tennis history.

The thing that made you love Rafa’s fight was his spirit, pumping his fists after every big point won, which brought the crowd into it. It would’ve been easier to just cave into Novak’s pressure. Nobody plays a more aggressive and electrifying style. The shots he pulls off border on insanity. If one had caught any of his five set epic against the equally shot making Murray, you would’ve been tired just watching. The angles both men found were jaw dropping. Nadal is the same way, able to run down would be winners and rip that forehand for his own like he again did to Federer at crucial moments. Djokovic kept pounding the ball to each side, forcing Rafa to scramble the entire fourth set only to see them returned with incredible pace. In the tiebreak, Novak had a 5-3 minibreak lead and was two points away from avoiding the climatic final set. But a resilient Rafa wasn’t ready to die, coming back to win the last four points, including a wild miss from Djokovic that was forced due to all the hustle.

When you watch these two play, there really isn’t much that separates them. Both do an awful lot of running to hit the extra shot. But Djokovic is more consistent at continuing to up the ante. Nadal flattened out his backhand more down the stretch but any time he left that slice backhand short, it was punished. Still, there was Rafa in position to finally beat Novak. He finally had gotten into a fifth set. Unchartered territory when they played. When Nadal broke Djokovic for 4-2, the crowd went wild thinking the obvious. It looked like Rafa would finally prevail. And really, it was his match to win or lose at that point. Djokovic had been broken and looked the worse for wear.

Only an amazing thing happened. A miscue from Nadal proved critical. Leading 30-15 in the seventh game with a chance to consolidate the break, Rafa missed a routine backhand wide with Djokovic toast. Nole had hustled to get one more shot over the net for Nadal and sometimes, that kinda yeoman effort pays off. We saw it on a Novak errant overhead moments later. However, it was Nadal who had an open court and missed the backhand down the line. With the crowd not realizing it, the correct call was made. Even if a desperate Rafa challenged. Replays confirmed a rarity. That a linesman got it right with the ball three inches wide. The point allowed Djokovic to breathe. He used the momentum to take the next two points and break back. Something which was a common theme in his win in New York City last September. Nadal never put him away. If he makes that shot, who knows. It really might’ve been a different outcome.

Given new life, Djokovic held easily for four all and then Nadal replied with his own hold for 5-4. But with the pressure squarely on his shoulders, Novak did his part to again level it five apiece. That’s when he turned up the heat one last time to break Rafa for 6-5. No matter how out of it he looks, you can never count out Djokovic. He pulled the same act against Federer. The man has an incredible hunger to win. He wants to prove he’s the best. If ever there was a testament to it, it came that final game. Nadal didn’t quit. Instead, he had a break point to once again get back on serve. But Djokovic saved it and then pointed to his chest and said a prayer which probably was, ‘I can do it. Please let me end this.‘ It was amusing. Nadal then got a bad break on a net cord which killed his cross court backhand from staying in, setting up championship point.

One final time, Djokovic dialed up a big serve up the tee that had a short reply from Nadal, allowing Novak to rip one more forehand winner to finally end one of the greatest matches ever. FIVE HOURS FIFTY THREE MINUTES!

A triumphant Djokovic fell flat on his back before ripping his shirt off and running to his cheering section that included long-term girlfriend Jelena Ristic. Some high fives were exchanged with his coach and team that have helped turn around his career from one hit wonder to best in the world. Pretty cool. Even cooler (well not really) was how exhausted both men were while the ceremony was going on. Each using the net to rest their legs with both on the verge of collapsing before the Australian Open team supplied chairs and large Evian water bottles. It really was bizarre. Still, they weren’t about to miss tennis legend Rod Laver, who presented them with their rewards. For Nadal, a runner’s up crown that he could be proud of while for Djokovic, another large trophy to add to his collection.

Despite being weary, both made nice speeches with each paying the other proper respect for the memorable match they had just played. A new rivalry has been born. Even if it’s been all Djokovic lately, this was the kinda day where there were no losers. Only winners, which would make Gene Hackman’s classic Norman Dale Hoosiers character proud. Maybe we’ll finally get Rafa vs Nole at the French. If only it weren’t so far away. For now, every tennis fan can be proud.

Just call him King Rafa. Indeed, there’s nothing the energetic 24 year-old Rafael Nadal can’t do on a tennis court. Following the electrifying Spaniard’s virtuoso performance in an epic four set win over equally deserving runner-up Novak Djokovic, the new U.S. Open champ staked his claim to the throne.

“For the first time in my career, I played a very, very good match in this tournament,” a thrilled Nadal said. “That’s my feeling, no? I played my best match in the U.S. Open at the most important moment, so I am very, very happy for that, for sure.”

The one major that had eluded him prior didn’t come easy against his 24 year-old Serbian counterpart. For his part, Djokovic demonstrated the same fight that carried him to an emotional come from behind five set win over nemesis Roger Federer. A gutsy performance in which he fought back from a set down, saving two match points with monster forehand winners just to reach his second Open final. The new No.2 proved worthy, bouncing back from a momentary lapse to capture the second set after a lengthy rain delay.

Nadal took a quality opening set 6-4 in which both went toe to toe, slugging it out at a frenetic pace. The rallies dedicated fans, who made it out to Ashe after Sunday’s washout got were breathtaking. No.1 versus No.2 pushing each other to the limit. The amount of running involved keeping points alive combined with the sheer power and determination had a New York crowd murmuring during extended rallies. It was the kind of tennis Federer could appreciate if he had actually watched. The hitting reminded us of some of those classic showdowns between Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras.

To his credit, Djokovic never backed down. After losing a tough first set, he immediately broke Nadal pushing out to a 4-1 lead. But just when it looked like the fiery Serb would square things, Rafa struck back in a seventh game that lasted 10 minutes. Every point was played with vigor as if the entire match depended upon it. When Nadal held for four all and was two points from breaking Djokovic again, the rain came.  It would’ve been easy for Nole to cave but he didn’t, holding for 5-4 and then forcing a Nadal miss to break in the 12th game, leveling the match.

His downfall came in the pivotal third frame when Nadal delivered the knockout blow. The thing that makes Rafa so special is his persistence. Every point is played like the last. John McEnroe has repeatedly stated that he plays like a bum on the street. Desperate to get every ball back. Hustling shots down. Coming up with inconceivable angles. The way he plays is how Jimmy Connors did. Grinding it out and showing emotion after winning big points. A crowd pleaser. He lets you in.

“I think the talk about if I am better or worse than Roger is stupid, because the titles say he’s much better than me,” Nadal pointed out. “So that’s true at that moment. I think that will be true all my life.”

New U.S. Open champion Rafael Nadal poses next to runner-up Novak Djokovic.

Against anyone else, Djokovic would’ve captured his first Open and second slam. He was absolutely bombing forehands and crosscourt backhands at Nadal in an all out blitz. Somehow, Rafa withstood it and kept on coming. You could see it all over his opponent’s face. The disbelief at some of the shots the “best player in the world,” as he’d praise later during the on-court ceremony, delivered under pressure. Novak tried everything, including some nifty touch at the net which resulted in entertaining conclusions. It just wasn’t enough on a day which turned to a late New York night in Flushing Meadows.

Nobody was going to deny Nadal of making history. That’s how he pulled out the third set, breaking Djokovic’s back. All the running finally caught up in the fourth when Rafa broke twice en route to a hard fought 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 win to win his first Open- becoming the seventh male tennis player to complete a career grand slam (Australian-1, French-5, Wimbledon-2, U.S. Open-1). With nine slams already, he’s ahead of Federer’s record pace. However, before we start discussing whether he can stay healthy enough to catch his close rival who’s at 16, this isn’t the time.

Just seeing an emotional Nadal lying flat on his stomach on the baseline after a final Djokovic forehand went wide was enough to tell you what it meant. Shaking in amazement at what he’d accomplished. No male player had won the French, Wimbledon and U.S. Open all in the same year since the legendary Rod Laver back in 1969.

While Nadal composed himself receiving a hug from Djokovic, his proud family that included his Mom, Dad, proud coach Uncle Toni and beautiful sister stood up cheering their hero. Even Toni understands history.

“The best of all time are Federer, [Bjorn] Borg, Laver,” he said. “Rafa is a good player, but I don’t think he’s part of that group.”

Pressed further, he again was much like Rafa. Respectful.

“I don’t know, I don’t know. Ask me in five or six years and maybe I can say.”

In tonight's Open quarter rematch versus fiesty Robin Soderling, Roger Federer is trying to make a statement.

Here goes. For a guy that’s had a disappointing year by “his standards” despite adding to his slam record with another Australian Open, Roger Federer is playing like a machine tonight against nemesis Robin Soderling, who ended his semifinal streak at Roland Garros.

It is amazing to watch Feds when he’s going this well. There’s a reason the 29 year-old Swiss Maestro is considered the very best. Tonight, it’s all on display in this quarter showdown on Ashe at the U.S. Open. The former world No.1 is aiming to reclaim New York as his after falling to injured Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro in a five set epic a year ago.

If he continues to serve this well and run down every ball while defying logic with his all court game, it’s going to be awfully tough for anyone to beat him, including Novak Djokovic- who’s waiting after dismantling too defensive French showman Gael Monfils this afternoon.

Much like last year, Federer leads Soderling by two sets with it on serve in the third. Can the 26 year-old Swede with the monster game repeat what he almost did in that match, coming oh so close to forcing Roger five? A lot of New Yorkers who love tennis hope so. All it will take is one more slip up from the No.5 player for Feds to silence the doubters who wondered if maybe the recent trend of losing in the quarters will continue.

He sure looks focused.

Is there anything Roger Federer can’t do with a racket? They don’t call the men’s grand slam record holder The Maestro for nothing.

In advancing to another U.S. Open final where he’ll meet sixth seeded Juan Martin Del Potro for a chance to match Bill Tilden’s six consecutive titles, the world’s top player pulled out all the stops in an ultra competitive straight sets 7-6 (3), 7-5, 7-5 win over a game fourth seeded Serb Novak Djokovic at Ashe this evening.

Sure. Djokovic pushed him by playing a very good match. Unfortunately, his best wasn’t enough to even get a set as Federer eliminated him a third consecutive year.

If all the talk centered around Serena Williams’ meltdown last night, at least it should be much more positive following Federer’s latest bag of tricks helping him get through in three against the former 2007 runner-up who he defeated.

Not much separated the two but Federer was just better on the bigger points coming back from a break to take a first set tiebreaker, clinching it with an easy putaway at the net.

In the opening set, the two players exchanged breaks in the sixth and seventh games with Djokovic unable to cement it playing a poor game in which his forehand let down frustrating the 22 year-old Serbian. He also would miss a routine backhand to go minibreak down at 2-4 which allowed a shaky Federer off the hook.

The second set was better with each combatant going stroke for stroke as they protected their serves. Djokovic did well from the baseline drawing some errors. But Federer hung in there with his serve finally up to speed. At the outset, the 28 year-old from Switzerland couldn’t make a first serve but that changes as the match went on with him near 60 percent while winning 78 percent (49 of 63). Djokovic also did well serving and winning at 68 percent on firsts.

Serving first, Federer kept the pressure on Nole by holding turning it into a similar match as his quarter win over Robin Soderling. The five-time reigning champ fared well at net winning 17 of 20 points in the middle frame. For the match, he converted 81 percent (29 of 36) to Djokovic’s 45 (9 of 20).

When there was any slight opening, each stepped up to hold with Federer holding for 6-5. Facing the prospect of another breaker, the opportunistic champion finally applied enough pressure on Djokovic’s serve to break for the second set. After he valiantly saved two break points, Nole couldn’t avoid the third thanks to some clutch shots from Federer.

First, a forehand winner got it back to Deuce. Then, with Djokovic looking to have the key point won at net, somehow he ran down a volley stabbing a low slice backhand which a stunned Djokovic netted. With the crowd urging on the underdog, there was little they could do when during a rally, Federer found the angle cracking his signature forehand down the line for a two set lead letting out an emphatic scream.

In grand slam history, Federer had never blown a two set lead. To his credit, Djokovic didn’t give up fighting hard in an entertaining third set that saw some splendid rallies including a 23 stroke one that the taller Serb ended with a forehand smack on the line which he successfully won on a challenge. If he didn’t win on the scoreboard, he certainly had much better success going six for seven on challenges with the end result of that rally resulting in grins on both players.

There also was an amazing point where Djokovic played great defense at the net continuing to get back half a dozen volleys before Federer closed with a forehand pass which the charasmatic Serb bowed in the opposite direction to get out of the way.

Indeed, a player who lost the fans last year following mistimed remarks after a quarter win over Andy Roddick won them back with how he conducted himself. Though he probably wished ‘tennis partner’ John McEnroe was back out on the court instead of Federer.

Each player fought hard in another tight set with both saving break points including a pair Djokovic saved that would’ve given Federer 5-3 and a chance to serve for it.

Unfortunately, he couldn’t push it to a tiebreak with the Sampras-like Federer finally getting him again in the 12th game breaking him at love.

It was how he got to match point that was most impressive. Already up Love-30, Federer hustled down a Djokovic lob volley and pulled off the shot of the tournament going to a between the legs winner which sailed by a shocked Djokovic who could only smile for triple match point to a thunderous ovation.

The shot even amazed the winner who when asked about it by CBS’ Mary Joe Fernandez, referred to it as “the greatest shot I’ve ever hit,” to chuckles.

Fittingly, he won with another nice shot punctuating it with a return forehand winner and a raise of the arms before Djokovic congratulated him as they shared a laugh about what had occurred.

There will be no Federer-Nadal final. Thanks to a virtuoso performance by Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Potro, that will have to wait at least another year at the U.S. Open.

“I’m sorry,” del Potro told a chuckling crowd which he earlier thanked for their support at his favorite event while speaking with ESPN’s Darren Cahill. “But tomorrow, I’ll fight until the final point for you, for everyone, to show good tennis.”

“It’s part of my dream, you know. I’m very close to do it, but this moment is so nice, and I always dreamed of this moment.

I’m very happy to beat Rafa in straight sets, play unbelievable match. Of course it’s great for me and for my future being in finals.”

The 20 year-old Del Potro had other ideas playing remarkable tennis to dominate one of the game’s best, crushing Rafael Nadal in the first men’s semifinal 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 before a stunned Ashe Stadium in Flushing this afternoon.

Maybe the wear and tear finally caught up to the six-time grand slam winner who was playing a day after dismantling Fernando Gonzalez with a heavily wrapped stomach due to an abdominal strain he’d nursed throughout the final slam of the season. Even if the gutsy 23 year-old Spaniard wasn’t at his peak, a lot of that had to do with his opponent who played a perfect match to make his first ever slam final where he’ll await the winner between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic taking place later.

“I think this is the best moment of my life,” the excited del Potro said after becoming the first Argentine to reach the men’s final since Guillermo Vilas in 1977 to a nice reception.

“Just have to congratulate him,” said Nadal who had nothing to be ashamed of.

In his first Open semi, a locked in Del Potro just had too much in his arsenal turning the match into a rout. The six games he permitted was the worst beating Nadal had ever taken in a slam match with only Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga faring worse when he dropped seven games in a 2008 Australian Open semifinal.

Unlike his come from behind four set quarter win over Marin Cilic, Del Potro came out sharp firing on all cylinders. Early on, both players had some scintillating rallies making the first few games very long. That included a fun point that had Nadal scrambling even pulling a crowd pleasing tweener which Del Potro volleyed back that a stumbling Rafa couldn’t finish off.

Nadal had his chances including an early opportunity to break but with his bread and butter forehand setup, he missed just wide blowing it which allowed Del Potro to crawl out of the third game. That would be a common theme with the younger Argentinian serving out of trouble by fighting off all five break chances while he remained aggressive, converting six of 16 on Nadal’s serve.

The first break came in the next game. After Nadal couldn’t put it away, a hustling Del Potro forced a backhand volley long that gave him an early 3-1 lead. A frustrated Rafa tapped his leg perhaps realizing how crucial that moment was.

Nadal tried to come back but Del Potro served well all day with the sun peering out following the dreary weather that caused so many scheduling gliches. When he needed a big serve, the lanky 6-6 fifth year pro took advantage of his big frame to find the angles forcing errant replies. He only had six aces but it felt like more due to the velocity and placement which gave Nadal trouble. For the match, Del Potro won 79 percent on his first serve (44 of 56) compared to 57 percent (40 of 70) for his more accomplished foe.

“I played a great match. I was so focused with my serve, with every breakpoints, playing serve, you know, trying to put the ball into the court and trying to be aggressive,” explained del Potro of why it went so well.

Still down a break at 2-5, Nadal tried to hold serve and stay in the set but ultimately, he was outhit by Del Potro who mixed in a lethal backhand which drew miscues off the normally solid Rafa forehand. The firepower he came with was too much closing the set with a forehand winner.

Undeterred, Nadal continued to throw everything at Del Potro and had a slight opening in the first game of the second set. But once again, the sixth seed used his serve to get out of trouble with a couple of service winners flustering Nadal. The combination of his bigger serve along with penetrating groundstrokes gave him a decided edge finishing with 14 more winners (33-19).

If not for Rafa’s speed and competitiveness, it could’ve been a lot more. Instead, Del Potro who stepped inside the baseline to control rallies earned more unforced errors off Nadal’s racket. A rarity. He committed 27 to Del Potro’s 28. Not bad but given how big the player who beat him in Montreal last month was hitting, it was easy to see why the French Open semifinalist had entered winning 16 of his last 17 since Wimbledon.

It didn’t take long for Del Potro to break earning another on a double fault for a 3-1 lead. With the crowd trying to rally the struggling Nadal, Rafa continued to put in a maximum effort running down every ball. However, Del Potro just wouldn’t miss.

Even when there was a slight opening, it was closed quickly. Up 5-2, Del Potro didn’t slow down breaking Nadal a fourth time to go up two sets. Despite only dropping four games at that point, he still needed an average of 50.5 minutes to win the sets giving an indication of how hard Rafa tried even when it wasn’t his day.

“The first two sets was 6 2, but I have a lot of chances, I think. A lot of chance to keep the score more tight. If it’s like this, you never know what happened. But nothing to do today,” Nadal pointed out.

By the third set, the outcome looked certain. Nadal continued to compete but a streaking Del Potro didn’t take his foot off the gas pedal accelerating with more tremendous hitting that featured some wicked winners including an inside out forehand and a backhand cross that was Agassi-like.

So dominant was he from the ground that he pinned Nadal behind the baseline even finishing off points at the net where he did well converting 71 percent (17 of 24).

“I saw Rafa in the baseline, but too far away on the baseline. That’s important for me to come to the net and to do a short point.”

Del Potro also punished Rafa’s second serve taking 14 of 20 points. While he struggled himself in that department dropping 17 of 29, they weren’t frequent enough and never came at critical moments.

Already leading by a break 5-2, he went for the kill easily breaking Nadal a sixth time when the 2009 Australian Open champion sent a forehand way long for the biggest win of his career.

An overjoyed Del Potro pumped his fists in almost disbelief before receiving congrats from a wounded Nadal, who made no excuses in a brief postmatch interview with ESPN’s Pam Shriver.

“Here, it was disappointing, I had a little bit of a (bad) break,” Nadal said while giving Del Potro his due. “The right abdominal. To compete with these players was difficult.”

“I did a good result, very positive result for me after coming back. Semifinals. Today he played better than me. He beat me, and right now I just try to recover. Is not very important injury, so that’s really important for me, too.”

Most players after such a defeat would’ve dodged the questions and walked off the court. But not Nadal who even was nice enough to sign autographs for fans winning even more.

A night before, we saw the worst in a player who lost her mind handling a tough situation very poorly typifying what’s wrong with today’s athletes. Today, even in defeat, we saw what’s very right and why Rafa Nadal is so easy to respect and root for.

It just wasn’t his day. Today was about a rising star who should move up to No.5 in the world no matter what happens in tomorrow’s Monday final to be seen on CBS at 1 PM.

“I think so,” del Potro assessed on if it was his best win. “It was so focused every moment because Rafa’s a great player. He can run for 5, 6 hours. I’m not very strong but I do my best, and I’m in the final.”

“I don’t remember, but I think was I saw the stadium too big, and I say, This will be my favorite tournament.”

Now he’s one match away from winning it.

“I hope to be quiet for tomorrow to enjoy the moment, but could be difficult for me, because I never play a Grand Slam final.

But I have the game to win tomorrow. I just want to be focused with my tennis and try to beat Roger or Novak.”

Caroline Wozniacki cameback to defeat former U.S. Open champ Svetlana Kuznetsova ensuring her first slam quarterfinal versus American sensation Melanie Oudin.

It’s not often a player gets more of a challenge from the broadcast booth. But that was precisely the case for Novak Djokovic, who had an easy go of it in a straight sets 6-1, 6-2, 6-3 Round of 16 triumph over No.15 veteran Radek Stepanek.

The same pair met a couple of years ago giving the crowd a lot more drama with Djokovic overcoming cramps to pull out a final set tiebreak en route to the final. But tonight was nothing like that match with the overlooked No.4 Serb having too much for an unsteady Stepanek.

In the lone competitive set, a perfect forehand topspin lob gave Nole a break of serve for 4-3. He managed to save one break point in the next game. Following a Stepanek hold that featured some nifty volleying skills, Djokovic crawled out of Love-30 taking the next four points to advance to a quarterfinal versus 10th seeded Fernando Verdasco, who bounced back from a set down to oust American John Isner in four 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

Isner’s departure was historic because it marked the first time in U.S. Open history that no American male had made the quarterfinals. Pretty sad considering it’s been around since 1881.

At the conclusion of Djokovic’s win, he entertained the same audience he irked last year in a quarter win over Andy Roddick. This time, the chatty Serb while talking to ESPN’s Darren Cahill challenged John McEnroe to come down and hit with him. The hilarious confrontation which included Djokovic impersonating Johnny Mac’s serve and his infamous “You cannot be serious” quote at umpires will surely go down as one of the most classic things to happen at the Open.

Eventually, McEnroe who took off the tie made it down to courtside and did a funny imitation of his own pretending to serve like Djokovic bouncing the ball which got plenty of chuckles. They played three points with the popular four-time winner earning two points with what else but his crafty net skills which still looked pretty good.

“If the moment is right, it comes spontaneously,” Djokovic later said after shaking hands with the idol. “I thought the moment was right. The crowd loved it, and that was the most important thing.“

As for the real stuff, at least the Ashe Stadium capacity crowd got to see one superb match with No.9 Caroline Wozniacki coming back to edge former 2004 champ Svetlana Kuznetsova (6) 2-6, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (3). Playing against the two-time slam winner including this year’s French, the 19 year-old from Denmark showed tremendous poise after getting outplayed in the first set.

Kuznetsova worked her from side to side slugging plenty of winners from all angles. The 24 year-old Russian was the aggressor throughout which might better explain how she wound up with over triple the winners (Kuznetsova-59, Wozniacki-16). But as often is the case when you go for more, the unforced errors can pile up and that’s exactly what happened in the second and third sets where she committed a large part of a match high 63 to her younger opponent’s 25.

Wozniacki’s consistency helped her stay in the match. When asked what turned it around by ESPN’s Brad Gilbert, the Dane indicated that she was more aggressive which didn’t allow Kuznetsova to dictate as much.

After taking the second breaker to level the match, she dropped serve falling behind 0-2 in the final set. But Kuznetsova’s level dropped allowing Wozniacki to claim the next three games. She was firmly in control after breaking for 5-3 but as often happens with an inexperienced player in such a big spot, the lanky teenager couldn’t close out Kuznetsova allowing her to get back on serve.

With the veteran serving to stay in the match, a running winner that finished off a scintillating point gave her match point. However, Kuznetsova showed why she’s won coming up with a deadly backhand winner down the line to erase it before holding. The former hitting pair in Eastbourne this past summer exchanged holds with Kuznetsova saving another match point with an ace to force a deciding breaker.

In it, a Kuznetsova double along with an unforced error handed Wozniacki a 3-0 double mini-break lead. But before you could blink, it was three all thanks to some great points by the Russian who found the angles.

Just when momentum seemed back on her side, she dropped the next point to go down 3-4. This time, Wozniacki won her two service points by playing steady while Kuznetsova misfired setting up three more match points.

With her first quarter berth on the line, she cashed in thanks to some great hustle running down a backhand in the corner to draw a Kuznetsova miss at the net. Pumped up, a smiling Wozniacki threw her hands in the air and tossed the racket before running up to get congrats.

“She’s [Melanie Oudin] had an amazing run. Hopefully someone from the crowd will cheer for me,” cracked Wozniacki of her next opponent to cheers and laughter from Ashe spectators.

Whoever wins their quarter will be favored to make their first ever final with Kateryna Bondarenko and Yanina Wickmayer vying for the other spot in a top half that’s seen higher seeds go by the wayside with Oudin responsible for three Russians (No.4 Elena Dementieva, No.29 Maria Sharapova & No.13 Nadia Petrova).

With her win tonight, Wozniacki eliminated the last remaining Russian in either men’s or women’s draws meaning that for the first time in quite a while, not one player from Russia made the quarters. In fact, every single win by the 17 year-old from Atlanta, Georgia has come at the expense of Russia with her posting her first Open win back in Round One over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

“She’s on a roll. And she has nothing to lose,” pointed out Petrova after letting it slip away. “She goes, enjoys it, crowd is behind her. She’s just having a blast out there.”

“This,” Oudin said, “is what I’ve wanted forever.”

There will be two first-time quarterfinalists vying for one of the final four spots at this year’s unpredictable U.S. Open. Well, at least on the women’s side.

Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki held her nerves to edge former champ Svetlana Kuznetsova 2-6, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (3). So, it will be a battle of teenagers when Wozy faces American sensation Melanie Oudin.

Imagine that. Who ever would’ve believed it? One will make the semis and play either Yanina Wickmayer or Kateryna Bondarenko guaranteeing that someone will be a first time slam finalist.

Pretty exciting stuff. We’re going to check out the men’s Round of 16 match-up between Novak Djokovic and Radek Stepanek.

We’ll have more later on Wozniacki’s big win, beating one of the best players on the WTA Tour.

Fernando Verdasco was too much for American John Isner ending his run at this year's U.S. Open.

John Isner’s run has come to an end. A match after showing tremendous heart against Andy Roddick, the lanky 24 year-old American fell to No.10 seeded Spaniard Fernando Verdasco in four sets 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 over on Louis Armstrong.

He got out to a good start like the other night but couldn’t maintain the level due to Verdasco’s counter punching and variety. The 25 year-old has improved leaps and bounds this year making the semis in Australia before losing an epic battle against countryman Rafael Nadal. His renewed commitment to fitness showed against the first-time fourth rounder as he outhit Isner from the baseline.

When Verdasco wasn’t winning long rallies, he was whipping winners off both sides of the racket past an attacking Isner at net where he never got in rhythm. In fact, he won barely half the points at net going 14-for-27 which couldn’t happen.

Verdasco was more efficient nailing many shots crosscourt for a match best 40 winners. Unlike Roddick, he also stood in taking Isner’s monstrous serve early keeping him in check with 13 aces while he served seven himself. Because he was able to get into points early, the Spanish lefty had excellent success breaking Isner four times in seven chances.

To his credit after falling behind a set, Isner tried to hang in there. But ultimately, Verdasco finally applied enough pressure to earn the one break needed to put it away. He did give the American one opportunity in the eighth game but saved a break point with some solid hitting before holding.

In the 10th game, he had little trouble serving it out drawing a long Isner forehand to secure his place in the quarters where he’ll await the winner between No.4 Novak Djokovic and No.15 Radek Stepanek later tonight.

On tap first at Ashe Stadium is a women’s clash between former 2004 champion Svetlana Kuznetsova (6) and 19 year-old No.9 seed Caroline Wozniacki with a spot in the quarters up for grabs.

Tune into Tennis Channel ESPN2 for coverage of both matches. Duh.

Also moving on without any problem was five-time rating champion Roger Federer who made short work of No.14 Tommy Robredo 7-5, 6-2, 6-2. They were all square at five apiece in the first set when the wheels came off for Robredo who dropped serve and allowed Feds to serve it out. The Swiss Maestro lost only four more games the rest of the way cruising into a quarter rematch with Robin Soderling.

Is Andy Roddick finally ready to overcome Roger Federer on his way to a second U.S. Open?

The time has finally come. Yes. Happy Birthday Andy Roddick! Hopefully for you, this year’s U.S. Open will be extra special. Especially after that memorable five-set Wimbledon classic with Roger Federer.

Can the just turned 27 year-old American overcome heartache to win his second Open and first major since 2003 when he was No.1 in the world? Under Larry Stefanki, he’s playing the best tennis of his career due to better fitness which has allowed him to stay in points and show off an improved backhand along with a better net game.

Can he, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic or the sizzling Juan Martin Del Potro put an end to Federer’s reign in Flushing? Is Rafael Nadal healthy enough to make a run and complete the career grand slam? How will Marat Safin’s final slam of a topsy turvy career go?

All this along with whether Serena Williams can continue her renewed dominance with a third major and fourth in five will get kick started later today at Arthur Ashe Stadium.  Who will come out on top? Let’s take a look at the candidates from each field:

Will Serena repeat or can Elena Dementieva finally win a slam?

Women

(2) S. Williams-In fine form this year, the younger Williams is aiming for a repeat and all systems look go with a routine draw that has no serious threats until the quarters where she’ll likely see either Vera Zvonareva (7) or 10th seeded Italian Flavia Pennetta. Samantha Stosur and Daniela Hantuchova might be fourth round opponents and vet Sybille Bammer a third round probable. She upset Serena a couple of weeks ago in a tuneup but this is a slam. So, expect her to be fired up with a shot to reclaim No.1.

(4) Elena Dementieva-The 27 year-old Russian is the best WTA player to never win a slam. She’s a former runner-up who’s one of the most consistent performers. Lena’s reached the semis in four of her last five majors including last year in Queens before falling to finalist Jelena Jankovic. Her draw won’t be easy with former champion Maria Sharapova in Round 3. The winner likely will see either Nadia Petrova (13) or Jie Zheng (21) in the Round of 16. Figure another former winner Svetlana Kuznetsova (6) to be standing in the way in the quarters unless 19 year-old New Haven champ Caroline Wozniacki (9) can ride her solid form under the limelight.

(5) Jelena Jankovic-The Serb is in the same section as No.1 ranked Dinara Safina. Thing is we like Jankovic’s chances a little better because she’s finally playing better. Indeed, the former top rated woman has had a rough year at slams making the fourth round twice and bowing out in the first week at Wimbledon. But she finally seems over her slump in time for her favorite slam where she’s made deep runs three straight years. Outside of German phenom Sabine Lisicki (23) or struggling Ana Ivanovic (11), she should have a clear path to the final eight where Safina should be waiting. If Safina can’t get through Alisa Kleybanova early, shame shame.

Kim Clijsters-Perhaps the most intriguing story is the return of the former 2005 winner. And the Belgian is in the toughest draw which features No.3 Venus Williams along with several other hardcourt threats including Victoria Azarenka (8), Marion Bartoli (14), Li Na (18) and Australia comeback story Jelena Dokic. Indeed, it’s a top heavy draw with potential upsets. On paper, Venus is favorite with no serious threat until the second week. But who will she face in the Round of 16? Clijsters will have to deal with Bartoli in the second round with the winner possibly facing Dokic depending if she’s recovered from an injury. Knowing how supportive New Yorkers are, expect Clijsters to get tons of love pushing her through to a dream match-up against Venus. Most expect the elder Williams to meet Serena in the semis but we like what we’ve seen from Clijsters. Figure either to face Azarenka, who really has no one standing in the way unless feisty Agnieszka Radwanska (12) surprises her.

Semis:

(5) Jankovic vs (4) Dementieva- A rematch of last year which Jankovic won in straights. She also edged Elena recently in a tight three sets. Still, this could be Lena’s time to shine and make another final. We’ll take her.

Clijsters vs (2) S. Williams-If it comes off, it would show off Serena’s power versus Kim’s grit. But Serena should be much fresher allowing her to advance.

2009 U.S. Open Champion (2) Serena Williams, USA-She’s just too tough on the big points. As much as we’d love to see Dementieva get her first slam following up a recent win, it’s hard to bet against the clutch Serena. It will be tight but in straights as the younger Williams rises to the top of the WTA once again.

Player To Watch: Melanie Oudin, USA-The 17 year-old from Atlanta is a future star who made a nice run to Round 4 at Wimbledon ousting Jankovic. She has a good ground game already. Look for her to test Dementieva in Round 2.

Are either Andy Murray or Juan Martin Del Potro ready for primetime at the Open?

Men

(1) Roger Federer-It starts with the new record holder following the amazing final at the All England Club in which he outlasted Roddick despite not being able to break him until the 30th game of the longest final set in championship history. Amazing to think the 28 year-old new father of twins didn’t play his best but showed the mental fortitude he lacked against Rafael Nadal to surpass Pete Sampras. So, can the amazing Swiss Maestro who has it all make it a ridiculous six in a row in NYC? Why not? His section while tricky with potential encounters with Lleyton Hewitt (31) and fading James Blake (21) isn’t bad. The real test shouldn’t come till the quarters where either Robin Soderling (12) or emerging American Sam Querrey (22) should be waiting. Yes. We’re discounting Nikolai Davydenko (8) whose game has slipped. Either way, we don’t see Feds being seriously threatened.

(5) Andy Roddick-Is this the year the new Andy wins a second Open in front of his biggest fans? He’s clearly improved and most notably, his head seems clearer since marrying SI swimsuit model Brooklyn Decker. Perhaps settling down was the right move for tennis’ A-Rod. Could anyone do better than her? Next. The real question is is he ready to deliver? A lot of positives came out of his crushing defeat including a ton of support. He really won a lot of people over. His play has been solid since even though he lost to Del Potro twice. Roddick will be tested in a tricky section that includes nemesis Djokovic in another potential quarter showdown preempted by either Fernando Verdasco (10) or German vet Tommy Haas (20). Even Dmitry Tursunov could prove tough in Round 2. So, they didn’t do him any favors. Assuming Djokovic gets through Ivan Ljubicic, Russian Igor Andreev (29) poses the only challenge in Rd.3. It would be an upset if Roddick-Djokovic II didn’t happen. All eyes will be watching.

(3) Rafael Nadal-It’s true Nadal isn’t 100 percent but did look decent in a couple of warmups. Even though he fell to both Del Potro and Djokovic, Rafa needed the matches to prepare for the Open. People forget that he made it all the way to the semis last year before Murray eliminated him. Assuming he gets through dangerous opening round foe Richard Gasquet who’s fresh off suspension for alleged cocaine use, figure Nadal to be a tough out. Especially in a reasonable draw which shouldn’t get hard until he sees either Gael Monfils (13) or David Ferrer (18) in the Round of 16. Indeed, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s (7) half is more challenging with Jarkko Nieminen in Round 2 and either Fernando Gonzalez (11) or Tomas Berdych (17) in Rd.4. Tsonga has a big game but we’re unsure if he’s ready to go far here. Figure Nadal to face Gonzalez or Berdych for a spot in the Final Four.

(2) Andy Murray-No Brit has won a major since Fred Perry. If you think about it, Murray’s not a true one because he’s Scot. But he represents London’s hope and has a big enough game to win here. He made the final last year before a bad call cost him a realistic chance against Federer. Since a disappointing Wimbledon semi loss to Roddick, Murray hasn’t played a ton. There are two schools of thought. Either he wanted a chance to recup to be fresh or the lack of match play could hurt. We’ll know early on when big serving Latvian Ernests Gulbis tests him in the first round. He might see big server Ivo Karlovic (27) in the third round. Karlovic gets the winner of comebacking Taylor Dent-Feliciano Lopez. Murray should have little trouble until the Round of 16 versus either Croat Marin Cilic (16) or Stan Wawrinka (19). Wawrinka is a steady player but doesn’t pose as much of a threat as the big hitting Cilic many picked for a breakout season. He’s made four fourth round appearances in slams and made Rd.3 in his Open debut last year.

(6) Juan Martin Del Potro-It’d be wrong to just include Murray as the only contender in such a deep part of the draw. So, we broke it up due in large part to Del Potro who’s one of the best hardcourt players on the ATP. He is hot coming in winning in D.C. over Roddick while falling short versus Murray in Montreal. Fittingly, they could be pitted against each other in a great quarterfinal. However, Del Potro could have to deal with former champ Safin, who’s in his final swan song. You just know the 29 year-old two-time slam winner wants to go out with a bang. Don’t underestimate him in Round 2 against Del Potro. Early in these slams, anything can happen which Djokovic knows only too well from his Wimbledon 2008 exit which saw Safin make a run to the semis before Feds ousted him. That’s the beauty of Marat. Assuming Del Potro gets through, big server Mardy Fish could pose a test in Round 3 if healthy. And either Gilles Simon (9) or Juan Carlos Ferrero (24) should be lurking in the Round of 16. Want an early match to catch? Ferrero against Magician Fabrice Santoro should be a treat.

Semis:

(5) Roddick vs (1) Federer-The anticipated rematch comes down after Andy exacts revenge on Djokovic, who hasn’t been as consistent this year. Roddick is focused and more than ever believes he can win. We saw that belief against a player who’s dominated him. Look what it took Federer to beat him on grass. Figure this to be intense with a few breakers. We’ll take Andy to avenge Wimbledon finally overcoming his biggest obstacle.

(3) Nadal vs (2) Murray-Honestly, it was very difficult to pick against Del Potro because of how well he’s playing. But we feel Murray has just enough versatility to pull out a quarter and setup a semi rematch. It’s hard to bet against Rafa against the same opponent but this is clearly Murray’s best surface and by this point, figure Nadal to show some strain. We’ll take Murray to advance to a second consecutive final in four sets.

2009 U.S. Open Champion (5) Andy Roddick, USA-The long drought ends for American men with its best player meeting every challenge. It will be very tough because of who he has to go through. But he says he doesn’t feel as much pressure and we believe him. That Wimbledon loss gave him new perspective and might be the best thing for his career. He really deserved better that day. It showed he could compete with the best. People forget that he also showed a lot in beating Murray too. Only we see this final being even tougher. It just might go the distance.

Player To Watch: Sam Querrey, USA-The 21 year-old from San Fran is playing well adding more to his game than just a serve with improved groundstrokes that got him to the final in New Haven before losing to Verdasco. Was it wise to play this week? We’ll see. All we know is he’s capable of making a run and showing that America does have a bright future. He made the fourth round last year before Nadal ousted him in four. Also keep an eye on Donald Young, who again made the main draw and plays baseliner Tommy Robredo.

Women’s Doubles Pick: Samantha Stosur/Rennae Stubbs AUS (3) over Serena Williams/Venus Williams USA (4)

Men’s Doubles Pick: Bob Bryan/Mike Bryan USA (1) over Mahesh Bhupati IND/Mark Knowles BAH (3)

-Get ready for the U.S. Open preview. That’s right. We’ll be talking tennis as the sport’s final grand slam kicks off in two days. Who will reign supreme in NYC? Andy Roddick? Roger Federer? Rafa Nadal? Andy Murray? Or might Novak Djokovic or Juan Martin Del Potro win his first major? What about former winner Marat Safin’s final tournament? Can he surprise Del Potro and make one more run? Can Serena repeat making it three slams this year and four of the last five? Or will Dinara Safina finally break through? Can Elena Dementieva or Jelena Jankovic win a major? Does Venus have what it takes to take Manhattan? Or will comebacking former champ Kim Clijsters pick her off? Is Maria Sharapova healthy enough to challenge? Perhaps a sleeper like Flavia Pennetta or Marin Cilic emerges. All these questions will get answered.

-Speaking of under the radar, keep a close eye on American Sam Querrey, who’s been playing some good tennis lately including a recent win over Roddick and might take the tuneup in New Haven.

-Does a fading James Blake who’s down to No.21 have something left to make some noise? We’ll see.

-I don’t get too excited for preseason but the annual Jets/Giants clash is always an entertaining watch for the fan reaction alone.

-If it were me, I’d have waited before naming Mark Sanchez over Kellen Clemens. But something tells me Rex Ryan has a lot of his Dad in him. Meet the New Boss. Same as the Old Boss.

-I have to agree with WFAN’s Steve Somers. Why pull Pat Misch after seven on 96 pitches when he’s held the lifeless Cubs in check? There’s not much else for the wounded Mets to play for than pride. Would it have hurt to send him out for the eighth? Instead, goats Milton Bradley and Alfonso Soriano helped Sweet Lou’s underachieving club rally for four off reliever Brian Stokes.  Well, at least Craig Carton’s happy.

-It’s always nice to see Robinson Cano do something rare like deliver in a big spot as his walkoff three-run jack in extras sent the Yanks to another come from behind win. Hope the second baseman saves a couple for October.

-Speaking of which, does any Bronx Bomber fan want to see those pesky Angels in October now that they’ve added southpaw Scott Kazmir? Yikes.

-I guess Kazmir became the odd man out in Tampa with James Shields, Matt Garza, Jeff Niemann, Andy Sonnastine and David Price still in the rotation. It’s still a nice pickup for the Halos who add Kazmir to John Lackey, Jered Weaver, Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders.

-He won’t win MVP again like Dustin Pedroia did in a down year but Derek Jeter has put together an incredible season. At age 35, the Yankee captain still performs at a peak level belying his years. Just more proof of what hard work and true dedication are all about.

-Until further notice, MVP is Joe Mauer with Mark Teixeira, Jeter, Michael Young, Bobby Abreu, Chone Figgins, Justin Morneau, Miguel Cabrera and Carlos Pena all in the discussion. And to be fair, Ichiro continues to defy logic and deserves votes.

-Too bad for Hanley Ramirez that Albert Pujols is in the same league. Rounding out the list are Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Matt Kemp and Brian McCann.

-How many young players are as polished as Andrew McCutchen? They might suck but the Pirates at least have someone to build around. All cause they didn’t rush him.

-LVP Candidates:

AL-Vernon Wells, Jose Guillen, Grady Sizemore

NL-Soriano/Bradley, Jose Reyes, Edgar Renteria

-Cy Young Race:

AL-Zach Greinke, Justin Verlander, Felix Hernandez, C.C. Sabathia, Roy Halladay

NL-Chris Carpenter, Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum, Jason Marquis, Javier Vazquez

-I know it’s rating-sessed but could ESPN please refrain from any more exclusives with LeBron?

-I don’t care about Brett Favre and hope he fails.

-If he’s their best weapon, why can’t the Jets give Leon Washington some love?

-Expect a big season from Steve Smith in Big Blue. We like him for at least 70 receptions.

-Brandon Marshall’s just the latest example of a me-first athlete who doesn’t get it. I don’t care how talented you are. Just shutup and play for your teammates.

-I’ve never been a big TO fan but at least he backs it up and never gets in trouble.

-We’ll miss ya Ted Kennedy. The last of a rich legacy.

-Am I the only one who smiles when Tiger chokes?

-Gordon Beckham’s a keeper at the hot corner for the Chisox.

-Assuming David Lee holds out and Nate Robinson still ain’t signed, just what kind of team are the Knicks planning on fielding?

-Quentin Richardson just got traded again.

-Rick Pitino cheated and got caught. So what. This stuff happens. But he needs to stop making excuses. Stick to hoops.

-That Coach Calipari sure is a great example for Kentucky.

-Should we just hand Tim Tebow the Heisman and the Gators the BCS already?

-Hockey training camp is around the corner which means tropical storms are here to stay.