This is our preview of Novak Djokovic v Jerzy Janowicz.
Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic begins the defence of his title in the evening session when he takes on Poland’s finest Jerzy Janowicz. Since his first Roland Garros triumph and completing the career grand slam, Novak Djokovic has looked vulnerable to say the least. Big Losses to Sam Querrey and Juan Martin Del Potro at Wimbledon and the Olympics respectively have knocked his confidence. Novak said that personal issues and a wrist injury were the reasons to his downfall in those tournaments, now the world number one looks fresh and will hope to build on what was a phenomenal start to the season, as he looks for his thirteenth major title. He goes into the US Open as strong favourite for the title with the likes of Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal set to challenge. Djokovic has a tough draw, and will look to avoid wasting unnecessary energy.
His first round opponent is no stranger to the big occasion, Jerzy Janowicz is a former top twenty player and a former Wimbledon semi finalist. But now no longer the Polish number one he has been struggling with injuries and missed most of the season. He has only played six matches this year with most of them on clay, although he did show promising signs during his three set loss to Gilles Muller at the Olympics. The now world number 228, will hope to find his form against Djokovic under the bright lights of New York City.
Prediction: Novak Djokovic has never lost to a player outside the world’s top 200 and I don’t expect that to change, Janowicz may push Djokovic but that’s it. I think Djokovic will win in three tight sets.
The Controversialist 