Pre-Match Analysis
Day 15 - (1) Novak Djokovic vs. (2) Rafael Nadal
Head-to-head
| Djokovic has won all five matches played against Nadal this year on grass, clay and outdoor hard courts. Most recently, he beat Nadal in four sets at this year's Wimbledon final. | Nadal leads the overall head-to-head against Djokovic by 16-12 and has posted a 5-1 record against Djokovic in Grand Slam matches. |
Will win if...
| He serves big. Landing a high percentage of first serves with good pace, would put Nadal immediately on the defensive. Off the ground, positioning himself well behind the baseline and relying on defense wouldn’t work, since Nadal is doing a better job of finishing points at the net. | He continues to serve big to manufacture free points. Djokovic is one of the best returners in the game, and spinning the ball in won’t do. Being aggressive from the baseline is imperative. Nadal can’t afford to linger a few yards behind the baseline and allow Djokovic to go on the attack. |
Heading in...
| Djokovic has been in dominant form this tournament, breezing through to the quarterfinals without the loss of a set. Although fellow Serb Janko Tipsarevic took a set off him, Djokovic swept through the final nine games of the match with ease. In the semis, Djokovic prevailed in an instant classic against Federer, rallying from two sets down and two match points in the fifth set to squeak into the championship match. | Nadal has arguably been even more impressive this tournament, not dropping a set through the semifinals and dismantling Andy Roddick with the loss of just six games. Although he had a third set hiccup against Andy Murray, Nadal was in control of the outcome of the match for much of its duration. |
Look out for...
| Fatigue. Djokovic’s match against Federer on Saturday lasted almost four hours. | Nadal’s health. In years past at the Open, Nadal’s knees have given him problems. In 2009, having returned from more knee worries, Nadal battled a stomach injury. Although he has been healthy so far during this tournament, there's not a guarantee he will remain intact through the end of the finals. |
Know this stat
| The last person to win the US Open after having a five set victory in the semifinals was Andy Roddick in 2003. | Nadal is known to step it up in Grand Slam finals, posting a 10-3 record throughout his career. |
X-factor
| Could the tennis gods be on Djokovic's side? He saved two match points in the semis against Federer. The momentum might help him overcome any physical fatigue. | Despite Nadal's recent troubles with Djokovic, he did win their only meeting at the US Open in last year's final? Will past memories help prevail him to victory? |
