Nadal last summer suffered from tendonitis in both of his knees and withdrew from last year’s Wimbledon event injured before losing in the semifinals at the US Open to the eventual champion Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina in a muted performance 6-2, 6-2, 6-2.

Williams, who has seen more and more injuries as her career has progressed, turned in a fourth round loss last year in New York also to the eventual champion Kim Clijsters of Belgium 6-0, 0-6, 6-4.

The big serving American has not won a singles grand slam tournament since Wimbledon in 2008. But with her sister and greatest rival, the top ranked Serena Williams, sidelined with a foot injury, the older Williams sister will want to maximize her opportunity this year although she would not admit it over the weekend.

"As a player, I don't try to think of it that way," Williams said. "I just try to win matches."

However Serena Williams defeated Venus Williams in their last US Open meeting in the 2008 quarterfinals 7-6(8-6), 7-6(9-7) and has won the siblings’ last four encounters.

Williams’ toughest match could come in a semifinal rematch versus Clijsters. Clijsters is tied with Williams head to head 6-6 and has won their pair’s last four matches.

Nadal like Williams this year will also not have to face one of his toughest rivals as del Potro has yet to return to the ATP Tour after undergoing wrist surgery in May.

The Spaniard could face his rival, the second ranked Roger Federer of Switzerland in the men’s final if he can defeat the Brit Andy Murray in the semifinals. Murray however has won both of his hardcourt matches versus Nadal this year in straight sets.

Nadal, who in the course of his career has taken the Australian Open, the French Open and Wimbledon titles, will be looking to complete a career grand slam with a title in New York.

“I hope I have more chances to play well here and to have the chance to win, but without obsession,” Nadal said.

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