Day 6: French Open Match of the Day - Djokovic vs. Del Potro

This should be the first real test of the tournament for Djokovic.  Del Potro appears to be back to almost 100% after injuries in 2010 and a scare about a month ago. 

Djokovic has been playing almost flawless tennis and he may have to do that again to be the Argentine, Del Potro.

They haven't played since 2009, and Novak leads the career series 3-0.  I expect him to make that 4-0 on Friday.  If Del Potro serves and returns big, he has a chance.

I like Djokovic to remain undefeated on the season and win in 4 sets.

ATP Tour Match of the Week: Djokovic vs. Murray

Can anyone stop The Joker?  Not so far in 2011, and he has moved into the semi-finals of the Italian Open.

His opponent, Andy Murray.

Djokovic holds a 5-3 lifetime edge over Murray, and Murray hasn't beaten Djokovic since 2009.  The duo has met only once on clay, and that was back in 2008 in Monte Carlo.  Djokovic won that match.

I don't see Murray beating Djokovic on Saturday, but I see a competitive match.  Djokovic in 3 sets.

2011 Australian Open Men's Singles Final Prediction

People talk about me, baby
Say I'm doin' you wrong, doin' you wrong
Well, don't you worry baby
Don't worry Cause I'm right here, right here, right here,
right here at home

--- The Joker by Steve Miller Band

Novak Djokovic vs. Andy Murray for all the marbles in Australia.

According to Steve Miller, The Joker was right here at home, well Novak Djokovic is playing so well he must feel at home in Australia.

These two are both 23, both about 6'3" and have been playing each other since they were 12.  Murray even divulged that he won their first ever meeting as 12 year olds 6-1, 6-0.

As pros, Novak hold the head to head lead at 4-3, but they haven't played since Key Biscayne in 2009.

This is their first meeting in a Grand Slam event. With his big win over Roger Federer, I don't think Djokovic is going to waste this opportunity.  Murray is hungry for Grand Slam success, but this isn't the time.

Look or Djokovic to come out and get an early break and that will propel him to a  set win.  He's playing too well. 

Prediction:  The Joker in 3.

Day 9: Australian Open Match of the Day

Tomas Berdych and Novak Djokovicc

Here's a match you don't want to sit and try to analyze too much.  Just sit back and enjoy this one.

Djokovic does lead in career meetings 4-1.  Should be some great shotmaking and long games.  I give a relaxed Djokovic the edge coming into the match, but Berdych can turn into a machine and just crank groundstroke after groundstroke. 

It could be enough to drive Novak crazy, but The Joker has matured and he should be able to come through in this one.

Look for Djokovic to win in 3.

Nadal Takes U.S. Open

Using dominating groundstrokes and an unmatched ability to run down every ball, Rafa Nadal completed the career Grand Slam by winning the rain-delayed U.S. Open Men's Final.

Novak Djokovic, who defeated Roger Federer in the semis put up a good effort against the Spaniard.  The effort wasn't enough as Nadal prevailed 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2. 

It's was Nadal's first U.S. Open Championship, and he for all practical purposes is assured of the #1 ranking for the year.

Congrats to Rafa!