2011 US Open Odds Favor Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal

The 2011 US Open has announced the Men’s singles draw, and leading the way is newly crowned world No. 1, Novak Djokovic. The Serbian has had an incredible year thus far, which makes you wonder if he will be able to finish strong and win his first ever US Open title. According to 2011 US Open Odds makers, Djokovic has been listed as the betting favorite to win his third Grand Slam of the season at Flushing Meadows.

There’s no question that Djokovic has a magical season up until this point, as he has captured two of the three Grand Slams played this season: the 2011 Australian Open and the 2011 Wimbledon Championships. But can the top-seeded Serb close out the tennis season in style in front of the bright lights in New York? As hard as it is to bet against him this season, it will be equally as hard for him to defeat a stellar field.

Before Djokovic can claim his 4^th career, Grand Slam title, he will have to get past five-time US Open champ Roger Federer and reigning 2010 US Open/2011 French Open winner, Rafael Nadal. And although neither of the aforementioned former No.1’s has really offered Djokovic much resistance this season, one can never count them out in any tournament. But the Serb’s dominance has been very evident, especially against “Rafa”.

The Spaniard has not had any luck against Djokovic at all this year, as he’s 0-5 in their last five meetings. But perhaps the reigning Flushing Meadows title-holder will finally win his first match against the Djokovic this year in New York? Let’s not forget that Nadal does lead the overall head-to-head series against The Joker, 16-12.

It is clear to me that Rafa has been quiet as healthy has he has needed to be in order to get past Djokovic. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to take anything away from the dream season the Serb has been on, but there has always been one knock on Rafa and that has been his durability. Nadal’s style of play is so physical, that he is very much injury prone, seemingly every season.

Knee injuries have haunted him in the past, and as we saw at Wimbledon, the young Spaniard hasn’t been close to one hundred percent this season. If Rafa can get healthy before the start of the 2011 US Open and remain that way, I see no reason why he can’t continue the dominance he has enjoyed over Djokovic throughout his career.

Here are the top-ten 2011 US Open Odds favorites (Men’s Draw):

Novak Djokovic 13/8

Rafael Nadal 5/2

Roger Federer 7/2

Andy Murray 6/1

Juan Martin Del Potro 13/2

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 20/1

Robin Soderling 28/1

Andy Roddick 33/1

Tomas Berdych 33/1

Milos Raonic 40/1