Cincinnati Masters 2008 FI: Andy vs Novak Djokovic

andyjmr · Intermediate Club Player

Cincinnati Masters 2008 FI: Andy vs Novak Djokovic

indiana · Tennis legend

I don't know frankly.

I actually did think in this instance, even before Djokovc v Nadal match that Andy had more chance of beating Nadal than a Djokovic playing to his best form, and what we had tonight was Djokovic playing to his best form.

He gave Nadal very little time, taking the ball early, which is how I anticipated Andy playing Nadal.

Now last week, Andy wasn't as agressive against Djokovic as he was against Nadal, but Djokovic appears to be playing better and it is a faster court, so Andy maybe can't really afford to give Djokovic the initiative and hope for errors.

I think he will try to play pretty agressively, but not as aggressive as he would have set out against Nadal. It's going to be very interesting to see how he plays it. I feel that he can't let Djokovic dicate to the extent that he did against Nadal, where Nadal had to do so much running.

-- Edited by indiana at 02:05, 2008-08-03

andyjmr · Intermediate Club Player

I agree, I would have preferred Andy to face Rafa here. I would have preferred his chances, and it would have been great for his confidence to beat Djoko and Rafa in two consecutive weeks. It's a close call; Djoko will be looking to re-establish himself over Andy, but Andy has the big incentive of his first masters title.

imoen · Admin: Moderator+Tennis Legend

I have no idea which way this will go. But I think it has the potential to be a very very good match. Of course that assumes Andy brings his A-game which isn't actually a certainty. I'm pretty sure I have to invest in ATPMastersTV to watch this though, I can't miss it!

imoen · Admin: Moderator+Tennis Legend

By the way, this match kicks off at 8pm BST.

Madeline · Admin:Moderator + Tennis Legend

Damn, I wanted Andy to meet and have the chance to beat Rafa as well. These fast courts were definitely his best chance to do so.

Like others have said, I am not sure which way this one will go. If Djoko is really playing at his best I think he will beat Andy, his game is so much more straightforward, there is less to go wrong, and this surface is his best too.

ForeverDelayed · Grand Slam Champion

Honestly... I think Djokovic is the big favourite to win the match as without doubt, he is the best player in the world on a hardcourt (and loved the fact I got him at 6-1 to win the US Open right after the Wimbledon final was finished!!!)

THe courts are a lot faster this week, which means Djokovic's groundstrokes will be more penetrating and it will be tougher to break him, so Murray's going to have to either play better than last week, or hope Djokovic re-prouduces his un-inspiried rubbish he played last time.

Djokovic in straight sets in my prediction, as I think he'll be just too good for Murray (and yes, this would have been his best chance to beat Nadal... US OPen he'll have a shot at those courts are quick as well, and then it will probably be Shanghai as his next real chance, unless they speed up the courts in Paris)

goldfish · Futures qualifying

Really disappointed to see Djoko beat Rafa. Thought Nadal must be reaching his limit for winning matches having had such an incredible run but desparately hoped he'd have one more win in him then struggle for form in the final. Despite a poor match earlier this week, Nole seems to have peaked at the right time and I agree with previous posts that he must be the big faviourite for this tournament. Having said that, I didn't expect him to do quite so well against Karlovic so maybe it's Andy's week - fingers crossed.

Drew · Aug 3, 2008

Back from holidays last night and so watched all the highlights from Andys matches.

He illustrated just how good a returner of serve he is the way he picked up Karlovic first serves and drilled them back at his feet !

Andy is very at home on these courts and will have the mental edge I feel over Nole tonight. He knows he can return better....no doubt that Nole will start the bookies favourite but Andy has a great chance to take his first AMS title.

Will Andy take the edge of his 1st serves just to get them in ? or does he go for power from the off ? I think he should start as agressive as he can from the start...surely the confidence must be flowing. I also think Andy should be prepared to change tatics during the match....maybe even more than once. Im sure he will.

Only 45mins to go....thanks goodness for Masters TV...!

mkkreuk · Admin:Moderator + ATP qualifying

right it's about to start...

Anyone got there Masters TV screen running yet? I'm still getting the black screen saying "ATP MASTERS SERIES TV" in grey.

steven · Tennis legend

Working fine now. Not sure my ears are after those national anthems! (listening through headphones)

imoen · Admin: Moderator+Tennis Legend

I've got mine working. Djoko to serve first (having won the toss.) Go Murray

mkkreuk · Admin:Moderator + ATP qualifying

Mine hasn't come yet...

ForeverDelayed · Grand Slam Champion

Mine working, although for the anthems I wish it wasn't!

ForeverDelayed · Grand Slam Champion

Djokovic to serve - 0-0

15-0 - long rally ends with a stunning backhand winner from Djokovic
30-0 - fh return is netted, but he was agressive on it
30-15 - bh from Djoko flies long after a good return
40-15 - Ace
Game Djokovic - Ace

Djokovic leads 1-0