KRISTEN’S KOURT: Men’s Final Predictions

Written by: Staff on 10th September 2012

KRISTEN'S KOURT: Men's Final Predictions |

By Kristen Tracy

When the 2012 US Open semifinal between Novak Djokovic and David Ferrer was suspended on Saturday due to rain, Ferrer led 5-2. And when play resumed Sunday, he held onto that lead and quickly took the first set 6-2. But aside from a few games here and there that went to deuce, that was the last look Ferrer got at upsetting the no. 2 seed. Novak Djokovic proved once again why he is not only the defending champion, but also the overwhelming favorite to win in tomorrow’s final with a 2-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 win. But taking into consideration the always annoying weather issues yesterday, is he still favored to win this year’s title? Maybe not…
There’s no question that Djokovic is a tough competitor. But the same can be said for his opponent Andy Murray, who has seemed to emerge this summer as a rather dominant player. And while a match between both men is sure to be exciting, in my mind there is one thing that will have a significant impact on tomorrow’s final: rest. Yes it sounds so simple, but as with any tournament rest becomes more and more imperative the further into the draw a player gets. That makes sense, right? It’s naturally easier to have to play two days in a row in the first or second round of a tournament when you haven’t played much yet, than it is to have to play two days in a row in the semifinals and finals. And with the strength that Andy Murray (and to an extent the lack of from Novak Djokovic) has shown this summer, his day off today is going to give him a huge advantage. That’s right, I said huge. Normally I don’t put too much emphasis on days of rest for tennis players, unless we’re talking playing three or more days in a row. These guys have trained to withstand physically grueling matches – I mean is there really any other kind when playing best of five sets? But Djokovic, despite his seemingly routine route to the finals, has seemed a bit off lately. He’s still winning his matches easily, yes. But there’s just something off and I can’t seem to put my finger on it. That being said, I think that Andy Murray is going to give Novak Djokovic a serious run for his money tomorrow, taking him to at least four (but more likely five) sets. And in the end, expect the Brit to hold up his first ever grand slam trophy.

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Topics: 10sballs.com, American tennis news, Andy Murray, David Ferrer, Kristen Tracy, Novak Djokovic, Sports, Tennis News, US Open 2012