US Open 2018: 4 Predictions ahead of Djokovic vs Del Potro

Sunday night will be the last major match of 2018
Sunday night will be the last major match of 2018

Sunday night sees Novak Djokovic bid for a third US Open title but standing in his way is 2009 champion, Juan Martin Del Potro.

The 2018 men's Grand Slam season comes to this, Djokovic versus Del Potro at the scintillating Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, New York.

Last year's Semi-final saw Del Potro emotionally bow out to Rafael Nadal but 12 months on gives the Argentine another crack at adding to his success from what was a very special night in 2009.

Two years ago was the last time Djokovic appeared at a US Open final when he was on the losing end to Stanislas Wawrinka.

Both players want redemption after their previous experience at the final hurdle in the city that never sleeps.

Who will win the 2018 US Open?

Here are some predictions ahead of a big night in men's tennis...


#4 Sit tight - it could be a long night

The 2012 Australian Open final between the Serbian man himself and Rafael Nadal was the longest Grand Slam final match in history with Djokovic winning the marathon
The 2012 Australian Open final between the Serbian man himself and Rafael Nadal was the longest Grand Slam final match in history with Djokovic winning the marathon

This isn't to put a negative ahead of Sunday night's match as many tennis fixtures have gone on for hours resulting it to be a classic.

The 2012 Australian Open final between the Serbian man himself and Rafael Nadal was the longest Grand Slam final match in history with Djokovic winning the marathon.

One thing Djokovic's opponent is known for is playing the long game.

If history tells us anything it could be a long one on Sunday night in New York.

The 2013 Wimbledon semi-final between the two concluded with Djokovic advancing to another Grand Slam final.

The match length was over 15 minutes shy of reaching the five-hour mark.

The longest semi-final match in Wimbledon history, at the time.

#3 Del Potro knows what it takes

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A second US Open title for Del Potro?

Nine years ago, it was a shocking night under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Roger Federer was competing in a sixth straight US Open final after winning the past five tournament deciders.

It was, without doubt, the man from Switzerland would be the hot favourite to lift the trophy once more.

On the other side of the court was a 20-year-old Del Potro. Not only was Federer against him but so was the majority of the Arthur Ashe crowd of over 20,000 fans.

Over four hours later, Del Potro pulled off a stunning win to end Federer's winning that started in 2003.

A five-set match that the Argentine may want to look back at ahead of his latest encounter with Djokovic.

Del Potro knows deep down he can do this.

His previous runner-up achievements include last year's Us Open final and the 2016 Olympic Games, he just needs to push a little bit more to get his hands on a glittering trophy.

#2 Djokovic is back and may don the sport again

2018 US Open - Day 12
Before his injuries arrived, Djokovic was dominating the sport as the world number one winning tournaments week in, week out

The one thing we are seeing again and again in the world of tennis is that bad things can happen to the greatest names to have ever played the sport.

From Roger Federer's five-year Grand Slam drought to the never-ending knee injuries of Rafael Nadal.

But they have come back stronger and are still capable of winning the biggest tournaments on the calendar.

Right now we are seeing a similar story for Djokovic who is back on top of the world.

Well in terms of rankings he isn't but he is on the right path to becoming world number one yet again.

His win at Wimbledon back in July cemented that the Djoker is back before completing a golden masters by defeating Roger Federer at last month's Cincinnati Masters.

Before his injuries arrived, Djokovic was dominating the sport as the world number one winning tournaments week in, week out including his reign in 2015 where the Serb won 11 titles including three of the four majors.

This summer could be the start of something special for the 31-year-old.

#1 The US Open likes to mess with Djokovic - an advantage for Del Potro?

2018 US Open - Day 12
It's not always been a pleasure for Djokovic in New York

Believe it or not, Djokovic has only come out as a US Open winner on two occasions in 2011 and 2015.

Sunday will be Djokovic's eighth appearance at a US Open final - winning two of them and having to accept second place for the other five finals.

So if we are talking past records ahead of this final - Djokovic doesn't always perform his best when it really matters.

Maybe something for Del Potro to know in his match preparations.

Djokovic will, of course, need to make sure he puts the past behind him and aim for a third major win in New York.

Records may reveal a lot about a tennis player but at present, the Serb has it in his hands to change all of that.

Who do you think will win the men's US Open? Comment your predictions below...


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