2012 U.S. Open Player Previews: Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic is embarking on the US Open with a lot of ground to make up after a year in which his two declared goals have both been frustrated. He had his sights set on the French Open title that would round out his career Grand Slam and a gold medal at the Olympic Games. But Rafael Nadal took his measure in Paris in a fitful and ugly battle marred by rain, and not only was the Serb upset by eventual gold medalist Andy Murray at Wimbledon in the Olympics tennis event, he was also stunned by Juan Martin del Potro in the bronze medal match. What’s that they say about “the best laid plans of mice and men?” In a perverse way, though, this does take pressure off Djokovic, and with the Australian Open title already banked, a win in New York would turn a good year into a great one.

Why He’ll Win:

Djokovic is at his most lethal on hard courts. A take-charge service return and an aggressive ground game enable him to push opponents back and batter them into submission.

Why He Won’t:

Djokovic seems to lack the acute hunger and match-to-match standard of consistency he had a year ago. Plus, it isn’t as if Arthur Ashe stadium is anathema to Roger Federer (he’s 5-1 in US Open finals).

Bottom Line:

Djokovic won the Toronto Masters 1000 tournament the week after his Olympics disappointment, once again creaming the second or third ball in many rallies. He’ll be deadly if this resurrection continues.

More U.S. Open Player Previews:

**Roger Federer

Novak Djokovic

Andy Murray

David Ferrer

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Juan Martin del Potro**

**Victoria Azarenka

Agnieszka Radwanska

Maria Sharapova

Serena Williams

Petra Kvitova

Samantha Stosur**