Novak Djokovic is two wins a way from pulling off a third consecutive Indian Wells-Miami double. Standing in Djokovic’s way of the Miami final on Friday is an in-form David Goffin.
Novak Djokovic and David Goffin will be going head-to-head for the fourth time in their careers when they battle for a place in the Miami Open title match on Friday.
All three of their previous encounters have gone the way of Djokovic, who is 2-0 against Goffin on hard courts and 8-1 in overall sets. Two of their tilts, however, have been competitive. Prior to a 6-2, 6-0 beatdown at the 2013 Cincinnati Masters, Djokovic got past the Belgian 7-6(5), 6-4, 7-5 in round one of the 2013 French Open. Their most memorable meeting came last summer in Cincinnati, where Goffin led by a double-break at 3-0 in the third set only to lose the last six games of the match and succumb 6-4, 2-6, 6-3.
It’s safe to say that both men are playing the best tennis of their careers right now. That is especially scary when it comes to Djokovic, who compiled an 82-6 record that included three Grand Slam titles last season. So far this year he is 26-1 and has not lost by anything other than retirement (to Feliciano Lopez in Dubai). The top-seeded Serb punched his ticket to the Miami semis by taking out Kyle Edmund, Joao Sousa, Dominic Thiem, and Tomas Berdych in straight sets.
“He (has) won almost everything this year,” Goffin commented. “He’s playing unbelievable tennis at the moment. But I played a great match against him last year in Cincinnati. I have nothing to lose; just going to enjoy the moment.”
Goffin has been enjoying just about all of his moments on the court in recent times. The 15th-ranked Belgian is through to consecutive Masters 1000 semifinals, having reached the same stage in Indian Wells. He had to save two match points in his opener in the desert against Frances Tiafoe, but he did that and eventually upset Stan Wawrinka before falling to Milos Raonic. Goffin’s trek through the Miami draw has been more straightforward. He has defeated Marcel Granollers, Viktor Troicki, Horacio Zeballos, and Gilles Simon while dropping only one set to Simon in the process.
“(He’s a) very confident player,” Djokovic assessed. “He’s been playing very, very efficiently. I think he’s one of the quickest players; very good footwork from back of the court (and) very aggressive. His transition is impressive from defense to offense. Obviously having confidence playing so well and having the career-high ranking allows him to swing freely on the court. That’s what he has done so far, and he’s going to be very dangerous. I know that. I like my chances if I get to play the way I played so far in the tournament.”
Who wouldn’t like Djokovic’s chances? In addition to his amazing current form, the world No. 1 is the two-time defending champion of this tournament. There is no reason to think a third straight title will be denied; but if it is, it will likely be by someone like Milos Raonic or Nick Kyrgios who can serve huge and at least have a shot to take matters out of Djokovic’s hands.
Pick:Â Djokovic in 2 losing seven games or fewer
[polldaddy poll=9368933]
who ya got?
Agreed. Might even see a bakery product in this one.
#GlutenFreeNatch
#SuperFood
#DonkeyCheese
Did you know that spinach and even romaine lettuce are better for you than kale?
#DontBelieveTheHype
They should be hyping watercress as that’s a serious super food.
#WhoKnew?
Been on watercress since my mom made me my first watercress sandwich — no mayo.
order of love:
1) Romaine
2)Romaine
3) Romaine
Jury’s still out on bread IMO.
Love it though.
#WheatBelly
#glutenfreesourdoughyum
Like Brad Gilbert, a little bit goes a long way. I definitely can tell a difference for the better when I cut down on gluten and BG.
Number of games will be low for Goffin. If Goffin wins a set I’ll need a shot of tequilla.
I agree. This should be a straightforward victory for Novak. Goffin has done well to get to the semis in back-to-back tournaments.
Goffin 0 and 0
Oh sorry I meant Djoker in straights losing more than seven games. I think one set will be straight forward and another will be closer like a breaker or something. I want Goffin to win but I don’t see it happening.
Goffin will win 2016 Miami Open
Djokovic seems to be out of fuel. He’s an undeniable winner in the upcoming event. But will it a straightforward one? Doubt it. It appears to be a good wagering strategy to pick up the handicap on the Serb and secure it or select +1.5 sets on Goffin.
Djokovic would drop his first set of the tournament today. Djoker in three. Would have given Goffin the 3 but Djokovic’s mental strength is too good. A very close game
both Goffin and Novak can and most likely will run forever…this is just another boring match to watch…I think Novak will win easily…even if Goffin would miraculously win a set he would stop there and lose by taking one more game or so…people seem to be satisfied wining a set against Novak…most likely due to their lack of belief…Hope Nick is the one to make it interesting…
Boring match? I dont think so, Rafa matches are boring infact. In my opinion, Goffin will fight strong and take one set, Nole wins 2-1.
Hahaha, this was an ignorant comment the least…Rafa’s matches are anything but boring…it had always been that way…ask those fans who pay big moneys to pack the stands all the time…
Rafa saves the tennis!
SavED tennis. Past tense.
Many of his recent matches I’ve been unable to watch as his massive unforced errors and mediocre play have been too boring and off-putting to watch. Once I see him playing like that, I turn it off.
I disagree…every Rafa’s match is interesting…he hardly ever loses without fight…I think you refusing to watch Rafa’s matches make you “unqualified” to make this judgement… 🙂
I’ve seen more than enough halfa-Rafa matches to be overqualified.
Rafa chronically hitting short and dumping break point returns into the bottom of the net isn’t exciting.
hawkeye,
I agree. There is nothing compelling or exciting about watching this Rafa playing a subpar brand of tennis. Hitting short balls for sitters, double faulting away breaks in crucial moments of matches, missing wide open forehand shots that he would make in his sleep, is not something I enjoy watching.
Rafa has set the bar very high in this sport. That is why it’s so painful to see him in his present state.
I am not so blind and obsessed that I refuse to see what is happening right in front of my eyes. There have been flashes of the Rafa of old at times, but it’s been too few and far between.
“I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life”!
Vamos Rafa no matter what!
natashao2013 APRIL 1, 2016 AT 11:02 PM,
? I’m with you.
Yep you hold the exact same view on this nny. very well expressed. Doesn’t make us any less a fan of Rafa.
I won’t question others allegiance as a Rafan. Except one maybe lol.
Those are marriage vows.
Xisca will not be happy.
Also does Rafa know you’ve been seeing kyrgios on the side?
Rafa would not be happy.
Absolutely agree w/Rick…Joker on a roll.
Djoker in 2
This is not going to be a competitive match. Novak is not looking fragile or tired or vulnerable. He is close to the finish line and will have his eye on the prize.
Novak in 2 sets.
Do you still believe Djjokovic is not looking fragile, tired or vulnerable? I think it will be competitive for two sets until Nole pulls the trigger
If the Djokovic of recent matches shows up, Goffin has a real shot. Sadly, he’ll probably play much better. Hoping Goffin in 3, but I’ll say Djokovic sadly wins in 3
Empty seats:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ce-NI1kXIAEB0N3.jpg
Same as Rafa’s match. Difference being that someone claimed that there wasn’t an empty seat in the house.
Empty seats:
https://twitter.com/MiamiOpen/status/715969142248054785
A lot more empty seats at Rafa’s last match when someone claimed was a full house.
#WheresRafa???
#PractiseGOAT
AT 6:49 PM,
The word “WheresRafa” reminded me of one thread…:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ce-prdHUsAAzDWX.jpg
Banned for suggesting that Rafa was GOAT did not require reasons on a Fed-centric site.
You were moderated here on a Rafa-centric site.
#PotAndKettle
#NothingNew
#WheresRafa2.0
AT 7:13 PM,
The eyewitnesses told that the user in question was banned because moderators had to consatntly delete pictures of other players posted in the Nadal News thread.
As for PotAndKettle, I believe that there are dirty pots and kettles in your kitchen.
No, those are fedfan rumours which you choose to believe.
You were moderated here on a Rafa-centric site for judging other posters you claim not to be interested in and for not posting about Rafa you claim only to do here.
The dirty pot is you for I make no such wrongful claims.
AT 7:29, nothing to do with Rafa which is what you claim to do here, everything about a poster for which you claim to not be interested.
#OhWhataWebWeWeave
WHY did YOU bring Rafa into this thread???
APRIL 1, 2016 AT 5:47 PM
APRIL 1, 2016 AT 6:49 PM
I wonder HOW you come to the conclusion that I’m intrested in YOU when I write about things related to RAFA! 🙄
AT 7:35 PM
—No, those are fedfan rumours which you choose to believe.—
===
.
Eyewitnesses told that Fedfans were satisfied that you posted pictures of Fed into the Nadal News thread.
^^^ Just another of endless countless posts about Me for which you claimed not to be interested and not about Rafa.
Not one original post about him or tennis.
https://tenngrand.com/2016/03/31/miami-sf-preview-prediction-djokovic-vs-goffin/comment-page-1/#comment-98463
Made up stories about me with nothing to support it. Nothing new nor original about tennis or Rafa for which you claim to post. Not one ever.
AT 8:01 PM,
AT 8:03 PM,
It’s all about Rafa – I have written about “actions” in the Nadal News thread.
No. Just unsubstantiated claims about Me for which you claim not to be interested.
You have no original content about Rafa. Only original content is to judge others here.
Massive set point to snatch the first set by Nole.
He has that heat drained look he had when he lost to Nishi at the US Open.
I’ll tell you one think Nick is right about. Tennis is biased. There is no way Fed wouldn’t get a night match request honoured yet Nole as No. 1 doesn’t get the same favouritism and, instead, Nishi and Kyrgios get the night match.
I wonder what he said?
Boris BeckerVerified account
‏@TheBorisBecker
Easy Mr.Cowan ! U go and play in 100 degrees …against opponent with nothing to lose .. .@SkySportsTennis
Allez La Goff!
go nole!!!
Haha Boris tries to make peace…
Boris Becker ‏@TheBorisBecker 5m5 minutes ago
Enjoy commentary from @_markpetchey @BarryM @SkySportsTennis
Simply THE dumbest rule in tennis brought in for one person to protect someone else’s legacy…
TennisTVVerified account
‏@TennisTV
#Djokovic not happy with Dumusois. He received a time warning after slipping.
Nole breaks!
Ajde Nole!!!
#LetsDoThis
#Idemooo
come on nole…time to wrap this up…..
Boris agrees:
Boris Becker ‏@TheBorisBecker 50s51 seconds ago
Because of umpires insensitivity regarding time violation , he inspired our man …@DjokerNole @SkySportsTennis
he is a monster now! and his tennis scares the hell out of me….wonder whether Rafa will be ever to turn things around against him. I haven’t lost hope at all but to be honest I have my doubts too… Djokovic is incredible
if the old rafa was around he could beat nole…
but whether the old rafa will ever be back is somewhat moot right now..
Sadly, Rafa will abdicate his GOAT crown eventually.
But this is always the way for all GOATs as it was for Fed and Sampras before Rafa.
It’s evolution baby.
Great win By Djoker.
A match he would have lost a few years ago.
A true complete fighter now.
bravo nole!!!kudos!
Respect from Boris…
Boris Becker ‏@TheBorisBecker 3m3 minutes ago
Well done @DjokerNole but great respect to @David__Goffin ! David will be top10 soon…@SkySportsTennis
Novak was close to give up.He was breathing like fish out of water.
Noval is destroying himself on court for nothing, he wants to win everything and puts his body under torture.,. I am afraid it will soon cost him.,,
Great win for Novak although generously assisted by mental midget approach from Goffin….
Novak is not destroying himself on court at all. Oh and it’s not for nothing! He is chasing greatness and the record books. Novak wants his place in history, so the hard work and sacrifice is worth it.
How long have we been hearing that it’s only a matter of time before Novak burns out or ruins his body. Meanwhile, he just keeps doing his thing and keeps in winning.
For myself, I wish that Rafa was himself again and still competing for titles and challenging Novak the way no one else can. But the reality is that Rafa has been in a prolonged slump from which he may never recover. It makes me sad to see it. I wish that it wasn’t so.
Novak is going to take advantage of the current void at the top of the men’s game. I can only hope that the other top players can start plating the way they should and make this a competitive year in men’s tennis. But anyone engaging in wishful thinking about Novak falling apart, is going to be sorely disappointed.
+++++++1
Wow! That!
You’re on a roll nny!
great thinking, nny! that comes from a true Novak’s fan!
?
Nats is getting gussie disease also known as octobrina syndrome.
Judging others is beneath you.
I find your syndrome being much worse…good I did not catch that one… 🙂
Do your worst nats and I’ll do mine.
octobrina?
Don’t ask.
#ItGetsEvenWorse
#FandomaniaRunAmuck
hawk has had is own desease/syndrome:
[hawkeye63 MAY 20, 2015 AT 6:29 PM]
https://tenngrand.com/social/player-pages/rafael-nadal/comment-page-96/#comment-63196
Yet another original post about Rafa.
natashao,
Nice try with the nasty dig about me being a Rafa fan. You selectively read my posts and cherry pick only what you choose to and ignore the entire context and meaning. Nothing new there! Also echoing nadline’s tiresome and somewhat cliched nonsense about me being a Novak fan.
However, unlike you and the others in your little clique, I actually am following in the spirit of rafa’s generosity and class in acknowledging what Novak has done. I always try to follow the example of my favorite player, my one and only favorite, the one whose picture happens to be in my avatar. That way whenever I post, everyone can see that great picture of Rafa holding the winner’s trophy at the 2013 Cincy masters!
Maybe you just decided to ignore it!
Oops! Sorry that I forgot to include the word “NOT” in the first sentence of my last post. Maybe it was a Freudian slip, considering that I am a true blue forever Rafa fan who merely is willing to give credit where credit is due regrading novak’s achievements! Following Rafa’s example of being classy! No sour grapes from Rafa!
Nativenewyorker (AT 12:03 AM),
The ATP players are obliged to be polite towards each other.
The ATP Rulebook, page 178:
¤¤… it is an obligation for ATP players and Related Persons, to refrain from engaging in conduct contrary to the integrity of the game of tennis.
a) Conduct contrary to the integrity of the game shall include, but not be limited to, publicized comments that unreasonably attack or disparage any person or group of people, a tournament, sponsor, player, official or the ATP. … ¤¤
.
Fans are under no obligation to praise every player.
Something’s fishy about the scheduling. Yesterday they put Nishi over Novak in evening session, fine… However, scheduling him another 1pm afternoon match (4 straight) in this heat is ridiculous. Shouldn’t both semi-finals be played during prime-time?
Would never happen to fed.
Nick is right. Tennis is biased.
Gosh Kei is so good. In complete control from what I see.
Up a set and a break!
You’re a beauty Kei!
#Nick-at-Nite
#Correction
#NISHI-at-Nite
#FreudianSlip
Too much Sponge Bob for me!
hahaha hawk ?
This is the wrong thread for Nick…
O-Kei.