Nadal and Federer feel the pressure as Djokovic continues to dominate
Published:Novak Djokovic’s 6-2, 6-0 defeat of James Blake means the Serbian has dropped just three games this week after extending his 2011 unbeaten run.
The world number two is gunning for the top spot and with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer drawn together in the top half of the draw, Djokovic is now the favourite to make it four wins from four tournaments this year.
Rafael Nadal vs Feliciano Lopez
When Nadal comes up against fellow countrymen there is usually only one result and the 1/14 for Nadal to beat Lopez today suggests the world number one will cruise into a potential fourth round tie with either Jo-Wilifred Tsonga ort Alexandr Dolgopolov.
Nadal has won all three hard court matches with Lopez 2-0 and at 1/5 to win 2-0, it’s difficult to see any other result.
Roger Federer vs Juan Monaco
Surprisingly Federer and Monaco have only ever met once previously and that was on clay back in 2007.
Federer is the 1/20 favourite to cruise past the Argentine and on the basis of form – the only man Federer has lost to this year is the red-hot Djokovic – it’s difficult to make a case for backing Monaco at 15/2.
The price is tempting but, like Nadal, Federer should cruise into the fourth round and is 1/6 to win 2-0.
Jo-Wilifred Tsonga vs Alexandr Dolgopolov
In a re-match of the Australian Open third round, world number 23 Dolgopolov is favoured to repeat his Melbourne victory at 4/6 to beat Tsonga.
Tsonga bounced back from his Australian Open defeat to make an appearance in the final of his next tournament and while the Australian Open result suggests Dolgopolov should win, all the value is in backing Tsonga at 11/10.
The shorter format means this is effectively a coin toss and Dolgopolov seems short at 4/6, although a three-set match can be guaranteed so back both, Dolgopolov at 11/4 and Tsonga at 10/3.
A £20 stake on Tsonga beating Dolgopolov would return £42. New customers can sign up here to get £60 in free bets.
