Nadal to win US Open | Thebigtip

US Open Mens Final

1] Rafael Nadal vs. 3] Novak Djokovic

Head to Head - Nadal leads 14-7)

After 13 days of brilliant tennis, we've arrived at the final day of competition for the 2010 US Open. It's the Men's Final, the main course of the two week meal, and what a match it promises to be. Rafael Nadal is into his first US Open Final having never gotten past the Semi Finals before. Novak Djokovic is into his second US Open Final having made the Final in 2007 (losing to Roger Federer).

While Nadal has come through his draw with relative ease (he hasn't dropped a set), Djokovic has had two tough matches. It took him five sets to take care of fellow Serbian Victor Troicki in the 1st Round, and then in the Semi Finals he beat 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer in a thrilling five setter having come back from two sets to one down and also two match points in the 5th Set. He also has played some of his best tennis for a long time, you'd probably have to go back to the 2008 Australian Open (which Djokovic won) for the last time he's played so well.

The two have met on 21 occasions, with Nadal boasting a 14-7 lead, however, Djokovic has won the last three times that the two have played, all of which have been on hard court. In Grand Slams though, they've met four times with Nadal leading 4-0. On current form though, as good as Djokovic is playing, you've got to favour the World No. 1 Rafael Nadal.

There's plenty at stake for both players in this match. While Djokovic has cost marketers their dream Final, this is still as good as it gets. Nadal is bidding to win his 9th Grand Slam, and surely by winning the 2010 US Open, the argument that he's the greatest player of all time ahead of Roger Federer will continue to be talked about. As for Djokovic, he's only won one Grand Slam (Australian Open 2008) and will be hoping to add to that. Not only that, but winning the 2010 US Open will give him even more breathing space when it comes to the Rankings, and the possibility of A) jumping to World No. 2 by winning the Final (not sure on this though), B) giving him more breathing space in ranking points to his other rivals, most notably Andy Murray and C) A second Grand Slam would put him well ahead of probably his biggest rival, Andy Murray who is yet to win a Grand Slam.

Prediction: There's no doubt this will be a cracking match. Anyone that doubts Djokovic, doubt him at your peril. He's playing some fantastic tennis as was evidenced against Roger Federer in the Semi Finals and also don't count out some possible nerves for Nadal in the 1st Set as he's never played in a US Open Grand Slam Final before. In saying that, based on how they're both playing, I give the edge to Rafael Nadal.
I think he wins his 9th Grand Slam, and his first ever US Open title.

Betfair Odds (as at 11am AEST Monday 13th September):   

Nadal    $1.44
Djokovic    $3.25

for latest Betfair odds click here

Nadal in 4.