ATP US Open 2011 Preview: Rafael Nadal vs. Nicolas Mahut

Determined to defend his title on American soil, tennis superstar Rafael Nadal takes on marathon man Nicolas Mahut for a place in the third round of the year's last major, the US Open.

10 time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal takes on Frenchman Nicolas Mahut for a place in the third round of the US Open, the fourth and final Grand Slam of the tennis calendar, being played here at Flushing Meadows in New York, USA.

On Paper, Nadal has it all, 10 majors, a career grand slam, an olympics Gold, yearend No.1 finishes and an all time lead in masters series triumphs. But despite all these acheivements, there is no man hungrier for success than Rafael Nadal. His five consecutive final losses to an invincible Novak Djokovic left him wondering if all his previous acheievements are enough to find solace on court and off it. A sheer competitor by nature, Nadal is once again ready to prove his mettle amidst the Djokovics and Murrays of the game. Nadal has three titles to his credit this season including a Grand Slam at Roland Garros.

Frenchman Nicolas Mahut came into limelight one year ago when he lost an 11-hour plus battle, stretched over three days, to American John Isner in the first round of Wimbledon. The contest broke several records and ensured Mahut's place in history books for a long long time to come. Currently ranked No.97 in the world, Nicolas Mahut has no ATP singles titles to his name and his best showing came in the year 2007, when he reached two ATP tour finals in Newport and Queen's Club. In the previous round, Mahut battled past Colombian Robert Farah 3-6, 6-7, 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 to set up clash with the 'mighty-Mallorcan.'

Interestingly, the pair's only meeting was won by Nicolas Mahut four years ago at Queen's Club on grass, which is simply his favourite surface.

Nadal has come a long way since then and with an additional motivation to settle scores, the Spaniard will ensure a victory in straight sets to advance further in the tournament.