US Open: Federer’s shock defeat makes Nadal new favourite

Rodger Federer, 20-time Grand Slam winner, was surprisingly dumped out of the ongoing US Open Grand Slam tournament at the Quarter Finals stage following defeat to Grigor Dimitrov in a five-set thriller.

Rafael Nadal is the new favourite for the trophy.

Despite winning the first set, the 38 years old Swiss maestro, Federer, succumbed 6-3 4-6 6-3 4-6 2-6 to lose against the lowly 78th-ranked Bulgarian, Dimitrov.

The father of twins had to get treatment for back complaint at the tail end of the match.

This is the second successive year Federer would lose to a player not ranked in the Top 50 of the ATP rankings at the US Open, following a similar outcome last year.

Dimitrov’s win also means he is the lowest-ranked player to make the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows since 2008.

Predicted to fight for the US Open title against arch-rival, Rafael Nadal in the final following the earlier exit of his nemesis, Novak Djokovic, Federer stated that the defeat was a missed opportunity to end the season on a high note.

“I feel low. I’m disappointed it is over because I feel as though I was playing well. It’s a missed opportunity,” he said.

“I thought if I could get through I’d have two days off after.”

The coast is now clear for 33-year old Rafael Nadal to capture his 19th Grand Slam title barring any more surprises at Flushing Meadows.