US Open 2012 Men's Final: Analyzing Potential Final Matchups

Novak Djokovic, David Ferrer, Andy Murray and Tomas Berdych all have their sights on Sunday’s U.S. Open Final, but there are some matchups that are juicier than others.

Murray is only two wins away from his first major title, but will Djokovic be waiting on the other side of the bracket? That certainly makes Murray’s run much tougher than he would hope.

Berdych, on the other hand, has shocked the tennis world with his recent play. However, he may have a murderers row of opponents ahead of him in Murry and then Djokovic if the chalk plays out.

And where does Ferrer fall into the finals mix? Spoiler alert: on the underwhelming end.

The potential final pairings at Flushing Meadows now float through the imagination. Let this writer be your guide.

4. Ferrer-Berdych

This matchup lacks a high-profile name, but surely tennis nuts would have no problem watching Ferrer try to out-hustle the power game of Berdych.

Ferrer has a history of taking U.S. Open matches into the fifth set, which could cause a problem for Berdych who likes to stay in control during the match.

If Ferrer can stick around, this matchup could be a back-and-forth tussle that comes down to the wire. Or Berdych can ride his 123 mph average serve to an easy victory.

Anything goes with this finals pairing.

3. Ferrer-Murray

Likely the biggest landslide in the tournament, Murray would be lucky to face Ferrer, who lacks the power to keep the Brit on his toes.

In addition, Murray is known for his slow starts, but Ferrer is not one to capitalize early either.

If I could put money down on Murray in this dream scenario, you’d see me first in line.

2. Djokovic-Berdych

The serve power of Berdych against the return prowess and maneuverability of  Djokovic would be a tennis tactician’s dream.

The most confident man in tennis right now after knocking out Roger Federer goes up against the Djoker trying to climb back to the mountaintop. Sound compelling enough?

Tough points would be aplenty as Berdych would no doubt try to force the issue with his serving accuracy. Djokovic is no stranger to this type of style, as he has gotten the best of Rafael Nadal in their recent matchups.

Conventional wisdom says Djokovic has the slight edge, but Berdych cannot be counted out with the way he is striking the ball.

1.Djokovic-Murray

The clash of the two tennis superstars left in the field would be a boon for tennis fans and TV networks alike.

Whether that comes along or not, Djoker has the odds on his side of the net. He holds an 8-6 advantage in past matches versus Murray, including a 2011 Australian Open finals victory.

A victory over Djokovic would truly validate a major win for Murray; a U.S. Open title without beating Federer, Nadal or Djokovic wouldn’t have the same recognition.

Murray wouldn’t have it any other way. Fingers crossed for this matchup to become a reality.