Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal Prediction, Betting Tips & Preview

Preview

Shyam Sundar Oct 10, 2015 @ 08:38 pm

The above questions will be retorted as World No.1 Novak Djokovic will meet Rafael Nadal in a blockbuster final for the ATP 500 China Open Title on Sunday in the Chinese Capital. The 2 Gladiators will meet for the 45^th time overall (an all-time Open-Era record) and for the 23^rd time in a championship match (again an Open-Era record).   

It has been a completely contrasting season for the 2 giants of the game thus making this encounter even more captivating than it would normally be.

Novak Djokovic has been on a tear this season and has destroyed all the competition he’s faced in his way. The Serb has compiled an incredible 67-5 win loss record this season, winning 3 out of the 4 slams (Aus Open, Wimbledon & US Open) along with 4 ATP Masters 1000 titles (Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Rome). He’s perched right at the top of the ATP rankings, qualified for the season-ending finale in London (after reaching the SFs of the French Open) and has already secured the Year-End World No.1 ranking for the 4^th time in the last 5 seasons (except 2013; Nadal). He’s been the force to beat this year and joined the double-digit slam club when he won his 2^nd US Open title by Swiss Legend Roger Federer in the final at Flushing Meadows.

Rafa Nadal’s season till date has been more than depressing and ordinary when compared to his previous years. He entered 2015 on the back of an injury plagued 2014. His more than sensational dip in form has been the headline story amongst the tennis fanatics. For the 1^st time since 2004, he failed to win a major ending his historic run of 10 consecutive seasons with atleast 1 slam (an all-time record). He lost only his 2^nd match on the Parisian Clay when he was thrashed by Novak Djokovic in the Roland Garros QF. He is 49-15 this season winning 3 titles, one on each surface at relatively low tier events (Buenos Aires, Stuttgart, Hamburg). The free fall in the rankings has been another major concern for the former World No.1 as his ranking was a double-digit number for the 1^st time in 10 years when he fell to No.10. Nerves has played a big part in his recent debacle and he had admitted to lacking the mental fortitude.

To make up for an awful year by Rafa’s standards, the Spaniard can still qualify for the World Tour Finals and he is in prime position to make his trip to the English Capital (6^th in the ATP Race to London).A win over Novak on Sunday could perhaps be the start of the road to redemption for the 14-time champion.

PREDICTION: Djokovic d. Nadal in straight sets

Djokovic is simply playing tennis at a different level. He has lost just 14 games in his 4 matches in Beijing and should be able to handle his nemesis in the title clash.

The NUMBERS:

• Nadal leads their H2H 23-21 whereas Novak’s won 6 out of the last 7 matches (including the 2013 China Open Final). Nole leads 12-10 in tour finals and 14-7 on hard courts.
• Novak’s never lost a match at the China Open (28-0; 5 titles 09-10, 12-14), the 2^nd best start to a tour event and the 2^nd longest unbeaten run at an event. Only Rafa’s 31-0 at the French Open is better.
• Novak’s won the last 25 sets he’s played at the National Tennis Centre. Ironically Rafa is the only man to beat Novak here with a win at the 2008 Beijing Olympics SF.