Madrid Open 2012 Schedule: Novak Djokovic Will Take Advantage of Nadal's Loss

After Rafael Nadal's shocking loss to Fernando Verdasco on Thursday, Novak Djokovic is in a perfect place to capture his second straight Madrid Open.

Djokovic didn't get off to a crisp start against Daniel Gimeno-Traver in the second round, but he's still the best player in tennis and he has to be seen as the favorite after Nadal's epic collapse.

Djokovic has won the Australian Open and Ericsson Open this year, and I think his best tennis is ahead of him this year. He's not going to go on a historic winning streak again, but he does have the tools and mentality to win every tournament he plays. When you're Djokovic, you go into every tournament knowing you can win.

With Nadal out of the picture after his defeat, it won't necessarily be smooth sailing for Djokovic, but it will definitely make things much easier for him in the Madrid Open. He has the ability to overwhelm the rest of the competition in Madrid.

Perhaps this will be a jumping-off point for another fantastic run. Djokovic was outplayed by Nadal in Monte Carlo, but with Nadal out of the race in Madrid, there's no reason to think Djokovic can't dominate from here on out.

There are the usuals, like Roger Federer, who will put up a fight against Djokovic, but, in the end, Djokovic is younger and more talented now, and that's all it really comes down to.

The great ones take advantage of every little opportunity. Nadal's defeat has opened up a prime chance for Djokovic to capture the 2012 Madrid Open.

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