The Djokovic-Nadal showdown is as hot as any rivalry in the modern era. Federer vs. Nadal has been spectacular but, come on, we all pretty much knew Rafa has had the upper hand from the get-go.
With Djokovic and Nadal it’s different. It’s more evenly balanced. Djokovic won the last match, Rafa the previous three and Djokovic the previous seven in a row. But right now, it’s unknown who will win. Astute observers like Henk Abbink feel Rafa is at his 100% best now and when he’s at that level, he’s about unbeatable.
Then there are people like Dan and myself who feel Djokovic is the superior player than Rafa, no matter the surface, when Djokovic is playing his best brand of machine like tennis, he dominates Rafa. It’s just that sometimes Djokovic does not bring his A game, sometimes things like his grandfather passing or Fed fans supporting Fed disturbs his natural flow.
The prospects of a Nole-Rafa showdown are thrilling, for me it’s the best clash of tennis titans since Pete and Andre.
Then we have the outsiders like Dimitrov, Berdych, Paire, Tomic, Raonic, Haas, Isner, Tsonga, Simon, Monfils, Ferrer, Delpo, Janowicz, Gulbis, any of which is more than capable of causing a Lukas Rosol calibre upset.
On the women’s side, well, it’s the usual suspects, Serena, Vika and Maria, but you never know if a Schiavone will emerge.
I’m picking Djokovic to complete his career Grand Slam and also Serena to prevail. Is Maria going to be hoping like heck to see Serena get upset? You bet.
Let the discussions and debates begin.
By the way, one friend of mine is going to wager $25,000 on Nadal if he is to meet Djokovic in the final.
(Photo by Henk Abbink)
Can Djokovic complete the career slam?
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« Previous 1 2Steve · May 24, 2013 at 1:49 pm
Djokovic fans must be thrilled with his draw.
Mitch · May 24, 2013 at 2:04 pm
I told you that the draw could shape out for Fed. Berdych is in his half, but he’d have to get through a hot Monfils, Gulbis, and Ferrer to get to the semis. Can Tsonga beat Fed, or will Ferrer score his first victory and grand slam final appearance?
Scoop Malinowski · May 24, 2013 at 3:30 pm
So you’re saying Fed’s slight case of mono excuse atr the Aussie Open does not hold an oz. or water?
Scoop Malinowski · May 24, 2013 at 3:34 pm
Steve, Djokovic and Nadal might kill each other with a six hour war in the SF, and then Fed will be waiting. This draw almost seems tailor made for Fed, all the sudden you have to really give him a good shot if Djokovic beats Rafa in a six hour marathon, which is very very possible.
Steve · May 24, 2013 at 3:37 pm
Scoop, most athletes have little niggles and are rarely 100%. If you lose that day the better man( or gal) won. That’s it.
Steve · May 24, 2013 at 3:53 pm
Nadal is the one with a tough draw. To me it looks ver clear for Novak until the semis. What more do you want?
Of course lots of great players out there so nothing is “easy” but Djoker should handle Goffin and the others.
Gasquet is in Rafa’s section. The didn’t give him any breaks. 🙂
Steve · May 25, 2013 at 9:11 am
My contacts in Paris have told me the weather has been pretty bad recently. Hopefully, it will get a better ASAP.
Steve · May 25, 2013 at 10:35 am
Watch them practice at Roland Garros:
http://www.youtube.com/user/raquettemania
Scoop Malinowski · May 25, 2013 at 10:36 am
57 degree today, photos of qualies and practice show fans dressed like it’s winter Steve.
Bryan · May 25, 2013 at 5:33 pm
I like Djoker to win. He’s got a clear path through the QF with only Tipsy a major threat. Unless my man Isner starts beasting.
Scoop Malinowski · May 25, 2013 at 6:34 pm
Might get some good betting odds with Djokovic Bryan, as Nadal is probably the clear favorite.