The Key to Nadal's Improvement on Hard Courts

Coming off his singles gold medal in Olympic tennis, which was played on the same court surface as the US Open, Rafael Nadal should be favored to win the US Open as well. Hard courts used to be his weaker surface, because his very heavy topspin would often make the ball fall short to his opponent, who could then step in and, with the help of the greater speed and predictable bounce of a hard court, hit a winner with a flatter, harder ball than Nadal's. The ever-adaptable Nadal has now learned to hit a bit flatter, harder, and thus deeper himself.

If you think Nadal looks intense and powerful on TV, check this out:
Photo Study of the Rafael Nadal Backhand