Rafael Nadal says he is looking to regain his top form before he considers himself a contender at Flushing Meadows.
The Spaniard fell to Feliciano Lopez in the third round in Cincinnati in three sets, but said that unlike his quarterfinal loss to Kei Nishikori in Montreal the previous week, he was happy with his competitiveness and his level of play.
“Is period of time that I don't know if it’s enough or not enough for the U.S. Open,” Nadal said about his form. “I don’t think about winning the U.S. Open today. I think about keep going and keep playing a little bit better.
“I gonna try to be ready for the U.S. Open. I gonna try to play a good U.S. Open. Let’s see if I am able to do it. I think the way that I played this week is a good line, so let’s try to be ready for it and we will see if, when the U.S. Open arrives, I am playing well and I have a chance to win matches.”
Roger Federer noted that while Nadal is still coming back from a season of injury and illness, the Spaniard should not be discounted.
“We are used to seeing him bounce back and seeing the Top 2, Top 3 at least,” said Federer. “When he comes back this time it’s just not been that easy. I think it’s going to take a little bit more time, but I think he’s inching closer to where he wants to be.
“Even though [the U.S. Open] is the tournament maybe you wouldn't favor him as much, but he’s that great of a champion it could happen any week. It's a good thing if you’re Rafa and you know that.”
Nadal is No. 8 in the rankings.