The Final Four at the 2011 U.S. Open is the Top Four. The Men’s quarterfinals wrapped up Friday with No. 2 seeded Rafa Nadal and No. 4 Andy Murray both advanced, securing places in the semifinals that will take place on Saturday.
Unfortunately for American tennis fans, both Nadal and Murray dispatched of the final remaining American-born players in the men’s draw. Nadal defeated No. 21 Andy Roddick in straight sets on scores of 6-2, 6-2, 6-3. Nadal dominated the show, breaking Roddick’s serve an impressive six times, not an easy feat given Roddick’s dynamic serve. Nadal also enjoyed a 22-0 edge in forehand winners.
Murray defeated John Isner on scores of 7-5, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6, to reach his fourth Grand Slam semifinal of the year. Murray withstood serves from Isner that topped 140 miles per hour, breaking the tall American twice.
The semifinals are set, with two intriguing matchups. Top seeded Novak Djokovic will take on Federer, while Murray tries to knock off Nadal and reach his fourth Grand Slam final. The winners are scheduled to meet on Monday in what, either way, will be an excellent Men’s final.
On the Women’s side, the semifinals are also set. All eyes will be on top-seeded Caroline Wozniacki, who will try to stop the surging 28th-seeded Serena Williams. The winner of the match will take on the winner of the other semifinal match between unseeded Angelique Kerber and No. 9 Samantha Stosur.