Article

  • Olympic Bronze Medal match: James Blake vs. Novak Djokovic

    8/15/08 7:23 PM | Jonathan Morgan
    - A pair of disappointing semifinal losses for Blake and Djokovic leave them fighting for the bronze.

    Both men are going to attempt to come back after heart-breaking losses. Djokovic with so many chances to beat Nadal in the semis and his horrible smash on match point and Blake losing 11-9 in the 3rd after the controversial call late in the third.

    This match will come down to who will be able to bounce back better from their losses. These two have surprisingly never played before, but both are solid players. Blake builds his game around a strong serve and a blistering forehand combined with blinding speed. Djokovic is your typical all-around solid player with a great serve, great forehand, top-notch backhand. Djokovic is the more solid of the two, but if Blake gets on a roll, he could take this one.

    The other factor is mental strength. Djokovic has won a slam and many Masters titles while all of Blake's titles have been smaller. This is a huge occasion, the chance to win an Olympic medal. Blake had historically been mentally weak on big occasions while Djokovic just the opposite. Djokovic is the favorite here and should take it, but he cannot be lax or James could end up with the Bronze.

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Comments

Ajde Nole you can do it!!!!!

RafaNadalGirl20 , 8/15/08 8:38 PM


nadal and safina are on a roll. it's quite possible that the US will not medal in this event but i'm rooting for blake nonetheless!!!!!

servolova , 8/15/08 9:36 PM


Interesting dynamics for this match. I think Blake has surprised himself by getting this far and will be pumped up about that controversial decision: Djokovic on the other hand will be seriously deflated by the loss to Nadal. If Blake holds his nerve as he did against Gonzalez he is going to give Djokovic a hard time but my money is on the consolation prize of bronze for Novak - in three sets.

ed251137 , 8/16/08 8:40 AM



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