If he is to do that he will certainly have to raise game. He came through his semifinal today against Berdych in a third set and was up and down throughout the match; squandering a 4-2 lead in the first set and losing it 6-4. He looked agitated but managed to get through the match 4-6 6-3 6-2.
Nadal on the other hand has had an excellent tournament, as you'd expect. Any speculation of his withdrawal from the Miami semifinal a few weeks ago has been silenced. In particular he came through against an in-form Wawrinka who demolished Almagro earlier in fantastic fashion. Nadal came through against a stubborn Gilles Simon today, winning 6-3 6-4 and is certainly the favourite for tomorrow's final in my eyes.
I did however, say that last year in Rome where Djokovic ultimately swept the floor with Nadal. The question mark about this match is how Djokovic will play - we all know Nadal will play his usual clay court tennis; with measured aggression but willing to rally and work the point. I don't think Nadal will have much mental block against Djokovic here in Monte Carlo - he loves the court and stadium and will be hungry to win his eighth consecutive Monte Carlo crown. In order for Djokovic to win he'll have to shift into sixth gear and regain his trademark mental strength that he displayed last year. His desire is there but he has appeared frustrated on court, and is understandably still upset after his grandfather's death.
This match will be interesting. We all know what we're in for; long gruelling rallies and it should be a great match. I pick Nadal in straight sets. I don't see Djokovic being consistent enough and winning enough of the (multiple) long rallies to win this match.
Enjoy the final, it'll be a long one.
I completely agree. Nadal will deffo win whether in two or three sets, I think two. Djokovic has as you say been showing frustration for e.g. smashing his racket off the ground. Nadal is very hungry for a win and has produced some sensational tennis. It was for me an easy pick because Novaks level of tennis has been significantly low this week even before the death of his grandfather, also in his match against Berdych he made alot of unforced errors due to his lack of focus not the wind, then into the second and third set the score board looked like novak had really turned it on Berdych really turned it off and was producing errors left right and centre, Dolgopolov did that too but less, Nadal won't do that. The long rallies will definitely favour the Spaniard who looks on to 8 in a row. I say 6-2 7-5.
ReplyDeletei dont agree, Djockovici always did enough to win and nothing more, so his actual form right now is not an indication on how the match is going to be. I remember finals played between these to and everyone saying Nole is unfit and Nadal will win the game, one of those instances was Australian Open. Never count Nole out, if your a bettor the best result for this match is 3 sets, i dont see anyone losing without wining a set
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