Federer vs Djokovic US Open Preview

Djokovic is out to spoil the party. It doesn’t matter a wit to him whether the tennis world has been sending out invitations to the dream Nadal-Federer final; or that we’ve all sent in our RSVPs.

Looking for his second major breakthrough, you can bet Djokovic won’t be denied without a fight.

It must be tough to be the guy nobody wants to win, but therein lies the advantage. To be so easily dismissed as a non-factor, a second citizen in the discussion, means that he’s coasting under the radar and playing without any pressure. Ideal conditions for an upset some would say.

Speaking of pressure, the weight of expectation now rests on Federer’s shoulders. Nadal held up his end of the deal earlier this afternoon when he confirmed his name on the hottest ticket in town. It’s now up to Federer to put his name next to the Spaniard's.

Federer goes into this clash as the favourite to win outright at William Hill, tipped at 2/7. Djokovic is the underdog at a tempting 5/2 price.

Federer has beaten Djokovic three times at the US Open – US Open final (2007) and semis (2008 and 2009). Overall, Federer leads the head-to-head series 10-5.

Over the three meetings at Flushing Meadows, Djokovic has only managed to take one set off Federer. Given that stat, those looking to back Federer might fancy his odds to win in straight sets.

Although the balance tips in favour of Federer in high stakes matches, Djokovic has shown he can beat Federer on the big stage –well, once when he beat him in the semis of the Australian Open in 2008

Those looking to back Djokovic could do no worse than backing him. Flying under the radar as he is and getting very little support in the markets he might be, he is still the world No.3 player and some would say a force to be reckoned with. It'll take the match of his life to beat Federer and it remains to be seen whether he is up for it.