Djokovic vs Nadal: World number one to prove why he is the best
Published:Novak Djokovic has already beaten Rafael Nadal in five finals this season on three different surfaces and can complete an amazing year by lifting a third Grand Slam trophy of 2011 at the US Open.
Djokovic is 8/13 in the US Open tennis odds to beat Nadal and has the added incentive of looking to claim his first title at Flushing Meadows.
He has still only lost two matches all season, with one of these coming when he was forced to retire early in Cincinnati.
Nadal still has the overall edge in terms of the head-to-head record between the duo, but has seemingly run out of ideas to beat Djokovic.
The pounding forehands and heavy spin that batter other players into submission do not have the same impact against the Serbian, who has an uncanny ability to keep getting the ball back.
Meanwhile, the flatness of Djokovic’s ground strokes also cause Nadal problems, particularly those targeted at his far weaker backhand.
The flat forehand deep to the backhand side is certainly Djokovic’s most prudent weapon against the ten-time Grand Slam winner, who struggles to get the same depth on his returns.
This allows Djokovic to step forward and win points, either through a volley or an attacking forehand.
If Nadal can find a way of preventing this weakness being exploited then he could be a good price at 11/8 to win back-to-back US Opens.
The duo have never previously gone five sets in their 28 career showdowns to date and therefore it is unlikely that they will this time at the US Open.
Djokovic to beat Nadal in four sets looks the pick of the set betting market at 11/4, but a straight-set demolition should not be ruled out at 10/3.
For a market favouring Nadal, backing the Spaniard to register the most aces in the final is worthy of consideration at 6/5.
