Sunday, September 12, 2010

FInal Thoughts: (1) Rafael Nadal vs. (3) Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic crashed the Nadal/Federer party on Saturday by ousting the 2nd seeded Fed 5-7, 6-1, 5-7, 6-1, 7-5. The match was an epic, and the stunning upset put Djokovic in his first Grand Slam final since winning the 2008 Australian open. His chances in the final match, though, are slim. His opponent is playing the tennis of his life, trying to capture the single Major that has eluded him, easily ousting Mikhail Youznhy 2, 3 and 4 in the semis.

Djokovic is short on rest and has a 7-14 career record against the Spaniard, but a 3 match win streak and a great knowledge of Rafa's game could keep this one, well, close. He needs to get returns in play with the same efficiency as he did against Roger, and the Serb's aggression must be amplified, by a lot.

Still, with the way Nadal is playing, not much stands between the top seed and the career Grand Slam. Nadal has finally adapted his game to the hard courts of New York perfectly, amping up his serve speed and finishing points quicker. Look for Rafa to be on the winner's stand at the end of this one.

Winner: Nadal in 3

No comments: