What do you think about Monfils on the HC.
Djokavic hasn’t even been tested yet. He was in the first round to the best opponent he has faced, Fish was hobbling in that match, was very tired, not moving well. Djokavic is mental nutcase. Monfils broke Gasquet’s serve and Novak will struggle more in the wind, and Monfil’s speed will give a replica speed player problems, its really just a test of fitness and mind. Djokavic is 4-0 against Monfils but the last time they played was over a year ago. Most of their matches have gone the distance. Gasquet played well against Monfils, just didn’t hit big points when he needed them. Don’t underestimate the way Gasquet played in that match.
The Djoker is 24-5 at the US OPEN. He’s 29-8 this year on hardcourts, 13-11 in tiebreaks over the last year. Monfils is 19-8 on hard courts this year a nd 11-4 all time at the Open. He has a 16-12 tiebraek record this year.
Some trends from TI so you don’t have to check
-Monfils won last 4 at US Open obviously. He’s lost 7 in a row when Opponent is top 10 and he is the underdog
-Djoker won 7 in a row when a favorite
Monfils said after Gasquet match basically “I am the leader. Gasquet crumbles under the big points and I got in his head.” “Novak beat me last time, now its time for my revenge I hope”
Novak on monfils: “most of our matches were very long, a lot of long rallies, a lot of sliding, a lot of athleticism on the court. He's physically one of the most prepared and strongest guy on the tour. So, yeah, we have a lot of respect for each other. We grew up together. We are same generation in juniors. We met a lot of times in the tournaments, so it's no secret in our games. I guess he's kind of flashy. If he starts playing well, he can beat anyone, you know, because he's so fast and so athletic and strong that he can get a lot of balls back. I just have to be ready and kind of patient and wait for my chances.”
Novak doesn’t play that well in the wind, he is good, but he doesn’t dictate points completely in the wind. And monfils already proved that he can handle a big serve like Gasquet’s. Djokavic’s best asset is his return on second serves but Monfils has improved that second serve and that kick should help him.
Fitnesswise Djokovic has played way less on court. That doesn’t mean much for guys like Monfils and Youzhny though. Their fitness is their best asset. In my opinion the crowd will be with Monfils tomorrow. I think he will catch Djokovic off guard early, its probably his best chance.
Monfils +5 looks solid.
Djokavic hasn’t even been tested yet. He was in the first round to the best opponent he has faced, Fish was hobbling in that match, was very tired, not moving well. Djokavic is mental nutcase. Monfils broke Gasquet’s serve and Novak will struggle more in the wind, and Monfil’s speed will give a replica speed player problems, its really just a test of fitness and mind. Djokavic is 4-0 against Monfils but the last time they played was over a year ago. Most of their matches have gone the distance. Gasquet played well against Monfils, just didn’t hit big points when he needed them. Don’t underestimate the way Gasquet played in that match.
The Djoker is 24-5 at the US OPEN. He’s 29-8 this year on hardcourts, 13-11 in tiebreaks over the last year. Monfils is 19-8 on hard courts this year a nd 11-4 all time at the Open. He has a 16-12 tiebraek record this year.
Some trends from TI so you don’t have to check
-Monfils won last 4 at US Open obviously. He’s lost 7 in a row when Opponent is top 10 and he is the underdog
-Djoker won 7 in a row when a favorite
Monfils said after Gasquet match basically “I am the leader. Gasquet crumbles under the big points and I got in his head.” “Novak beat me last time, now its time for my revenge I hope”
Novak on monfils: “most of our matches were very long, a lot of long rallies, a lot of sliding, a lot of athleticism on the court. He's physically one of the most prepared and strongest guy on the tour. So, yeah, we have a lot of respect for each other. We grew up together. We are same generation in juniors. We met a lot of times in the tournaments, so it's no secret in our games. I guess he's kind of flashy. If he starts playing well, he can beat anyone, you know, because he's so fast and so athletic and strong that he can get a lot of balls back. I just have to be ready and kind of patient and wait for my chances.”
Novak doesn’t play that well in the wind, he is good, but he doesn’t dictate points completely in the wind. And monfils already proved that he can handle a big serve like Gasquet’s. Djokavic’s best asset is his return on second serves but Monfils has improved that second serve and that kick should help him.
Fitnesswise Djokovic has played way less on court. That doesn’t mean much for guys like Monfils and Youzhny though. Their fitness is their best asset. In my opinion the crowd will be with Monfils tomorrow. I think he will catch Djokovic off guard early, its probably his best chance.
Monfils +5 looks solid.