Federer has to overcome Djokovic in US Open Semi-final
Novak Djokovic carried my pre-tournament vote to make the final and today we will find out if that is going to be the case. Djokovic is a consistent player but the last 3-years have seen a similar exit for the Slovakian, going down to the great Roger Federer each time. Is there cause to expect any different this year? There isn’t really I guess; both players breezed through their quarter finals with relative ease and neither has had an especially taxing tournament thus far.
Federer commented to the press: "I think it comes down to who plays better on the day, who takes the right decisions at the right time.We've had some good matches over the years. I think this obviously is his best surface. He's obviously waiting for a breakthrough where he can win this title. For the last three or four years he's gone through me and he hasn't been able to get it done. I'm looking forward to it. He's a good player."
On the prospects of spoiling a Federer / Nadal final, Djokovic said: "Of course, as the two best players in the world they are the most dominant in the last five, six years.They are the biggest favourites to get into the finals and I'm sure that the crowd wants them in the finals. But I will try to not make that happen.”
The odds are probably about right, with 1/3 (Federer) and 3/1 Djokovic) available if you shop around. As I stand to collect on a Djokovic victory anyway, I am going to cover my stake by backing Federer at 1/3 with Boylesports but I will be hoping Djokovic can progress to land the pre-season 16/1 punt.