Novak Djokovic to Face Feliciano Lopez for Belgrade Title with Implications

It's with humble speech and perspective that Rafael Nadal talks about possibly losing his No. 1 ranking to Novak Djokovic over these next several months of the clay court season.

Following the French and Wimbledon Championships brings the U.S. Open Tennis Championships set in Queens-Flushing Meadows, New York.

Having discussed the issue with readership, we see that “Nadal has 4,000 points to defend.” The Man from Manacor could have a slight downturn to No. 2 in the world if he doesn’t hold on to a back-to-back title search like last year's Madrid and Rome Masters.

Madrid and Rome are tournaments of the 1,000-point variety. If Rafa has to defend 4,000 points, then collecting Rome and Madrid would allow him to loosen his belt a bit.

These highest level tournaments are followed by the 500s and the 250s point designation. This week Djokovic is contesting a 250-point level event in his home town of Belgrade.

Other notables at the Serbian Open include Nenad Zimonjic, Victor Troiki, Janko Tipsarevic and Dusan Lajovic.

The two Masters series events upcoming, are back-to-back 1,000-level events. They are Madrid (05/01/11) and Rome (05/08/11) in that order. Last year's order was reversed. 

Djokovic will face Spaniard Feliciano Lopez in the final of the Serbian Open on 05/01/11 at 4 pm. You may watch it on here or here. Novak is riding a wave of 26-0 W/L in succession this season. Djokovic has a three matches to none record against Lopez.

Lopez’s last match was one for the books. He saved 9 of 11 break point chances against and converted four of his own breaks versus Italian Fillipo Volandri. Match time was 95 minutes, slightly above average for this week.

Fernando Gonzales, back from injury, and Albert Montanes both got the short end of the wishing bone against Lopez. Lopez uses a heavy serve and topspin style of play.

The 6’2” Lopez, a native of Toledo, Spain is coached by former professional and fellow compatriot, left-hander Francisco Clavet. Take a look at the profile of Lopez here.