*Not sure if I am going to play it yet, but this is what I am leaning*
This is a somewhat unexpected finals matchup between Novak Djokovic and upstart Stanislas Wawrinka as many expected Nadal and or Federer to be here at this stage. In addition to winning his first career grand slam at the Australian Open, Djokovic looks to secure his 2nd TMS title of the year (Indian Wells being the other). For Wawrinka, it's difficult to get noticed much if you are the Swiss #2 but right now people are starting to take notice of him. His win over Blake moves him for the first time into the ATP Top 20. Wawrinka looks to clinch his first TMS title in this his first attempt at one. In my estimation, Wawrinka could end up being a top 10 player soon and could begin to routinely compete in these high profiles tournaments. I am not ready to say he could win a GS, but certainly the potential is there.
Interestingly, both men arrived in the finals via retirments and in Djokovic's case both the QF and SF featured opponent retirements so suffice to say both should be relatively well rested as they played a total of 10 games combined yesterday (ND-7 and SW-3). Both players are playing tremendous tennis right now and have to be considered very much in-form. Djokovic struggled somewhat with Andreev and Wawrinka dropped a set to Safin and Blake in the tournament but outside that he has been very solid.
Despite being two years his junior, Djokovic has considerably more experience than SW. Just this year alone, Djokovic has participated in the finals at the AO, finals at IW, semifinals at Monte Carlo, and now the finals at Rome. For SW, this is relatively new territory and it will be very interesting to see how he responds to this newfound success. However, these two have a history against one another with a distinct advantage going to ND (5-2 HH) but SW did win their only match on clay due to retirment though.
Neither of these two players are what I would consider "clay court specialists." Instead, you have two players who play consistent tennis regardless of what surface they find themselves playing on. With that in mind, both players are in good form and looking to continue their success this 2008.
IMO, the key to winning this match will be which ever player is able to establish his serve. Both players feature strong serves. For SW, you really have to be impressed with his movement on the court and the single-handed backhand he has shown not just in this tournament, but throughout the entire year. He is every bit as capable on the forehand wing as any other part of the court and will no doubt look for some aggressive cross court shotmaking when the opportunity presents itself.
On the other hand, ND serve might be the best in the game right now (outside of Roddick on a hardcourt surface). Djokovic's serve is tremendous by any standard and his groundstrokes are accurate and powerful and rarely do you see him miss any shots or give up easy points. Another important point to consider is that ND will return virtually everything and won't mind the long rallies with SW.
Right now, I would say that Novak Djokovic is probably the best player in the world and has demonstrated that all year. I don't think he will win the FO but I expect him to at least reach the semifinals at Wimbeldon and to win the U.S. Open. Yes SW is playing great and yes SW has the talent to upset ND and I certainly wouldn't be shocked but I do not think tomorrow will be his day.
It's a big price, but don't hesitate to lay it with Djokovic. I expect a 7-5, 6-2 type win tomorrow for him.
This is a somewhat unexpected finals matchup between Novak Djokovic and upstart Stanislas Wawrinka as many expected Nadal and or Federer to be here at this stage. In addition to winning his first career grand slam at the Australian Open, Djokovic looks to secure his 2nd TMS title of the year (Indian Wells being the other). For Wawrinka, it's difficult to get noticed much if you are the Swiss #2 but right now people are starting to take notice of him. His win over Blake moves him for the first time into the ATP Top 20. Wawrinka looks to clinch his first TMS title in this his first attempt at one. In my estimation, Wawrinka could end up being a top 10 player soon and could begin to routinely compete in these high profiles tournaments. I am not ready to say he could win a GS, but certainly the potential is there.
Interestingly, both men arrived in the finals via retirments and in Djokovic's case both the QF and SF featured opponent retirements so suffice to say both should be relatively well rested as they played a total of 10 games combined yesterday (ND-7 and SW-3). Both players are playing tremendous tennis right now and have to be considered very much in-form. Djokovic struggled somewhat with Andreev and Wawrinka dropped a set to Safin and Blake in the tournament but outside that he has been very solid.
Despite being two years his junior, Djokovic has considerably more experience than SW. Just this year alone, Djokovic has participated in the finals at the AO, finals at IW, semifinals at Monte Carlo, and now the finals at Rome. For SW, this is relatively new territory and it will be very interesting to see how he responds to this newfound success. However, these two have a history against one another with a distinct advantage going to ND (5-2 HH) but SW did win their only match on clay due to retirment though.
Neither of these two players are what I would consider "clay court specialists." Instead, you have two players who play consistent tennis regardless of what surface they find themselves playing on. With that in mind, both players are in good form and looking to continue their success this 2008.
IMO, the key to winning this match will be which ever player is able to establish his serve. Both players feature strong serves. For SW, you really have to be impressed with his movement on the court and the single-handed backhand he has shown not just in this tournament, but throughout the entire year. He is every bit as capable on the forehand wing as any other part of the court and will no doubt look for some aggressive cross court shotmaking when the opportunity presents itself.
On the other hand, ND serve might be the best in the game right now (outside of Roddick on a hardcourt surface). Djokovic's serve is tremendous by any standard and his groundstrokes are accurate and powerful and rarely do you see him miss any shots or give up easy points. Another important point to consider is that ND will return virtually everything and won't mind the long rallies with SW.
Right now, I would say that Novak Djokovic is probably the best player in the world and has demonstrated that all year. I don't think he will win the FO but I expect him to at least reach the semifinals at Wimbeldon and to win the U.S. Open. Yes SW is playing great and yes SW has the talent to upset ND and I certainly wouldn't be shocked but I do not think tomorrow will be his day.
It's a big price, but don't hesitate to lay it with Djokovic. I expect a 7-5, 6-2 type win tomorrow for him.