(Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
Will Lose If
With his heavy, hard forehand and backboard of a backhand, Djokovic is the kind of player very, very few of the game’s elite could expect to beat from the baseline.
Furthermore, at 22, the Serb would love nothing more than to pin the older player at the baseline and make him chase balls.
Therefore, it is imperative that Haas stay on the offensive and disrupt Djokovic’s rhythm as much as he can.
Intangibles
A good start for Haas may be important, as he has in the past gotten discouraged early, especially against players who overwhelm him with their relentless consistency. Past losses to Lleyton Hewitt and Nikolay Davydenko in majors are good examples of this.
If it goes the distance, both players are probably going to show the hunger requisite for victory. After an up and down year, Djokovic wants to prove he belongs in the top five.
Haas, meanwhile, knows there's no better time for a major win.
Shots to Look For
One of the keys to Haas’ attack is going to be his backhand, particularly up the line. Two-handed backhands often have the advantage in protracted rallies, but a well-struck one-hander up-the-line can open up the court for Haas to attack.
This was a favorite play of Haas’ countryman Boris Becker, who used it to surprise baseliners like Michael Chang.
My Call
As I expect this match to pit Haas’ attack against Djokovic’s defense, I look for numerous fluctuations in momentum. Ultimately, this match should be a tight four-or five-setter.
Ultimately, either Haas’ experience will save him or his age will doom him.
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