Rogers Cup Quarters – Roddick vs. Djokovic feud continues

Montreal, Canada – As quarterfinal spots at the Montreal Masters slowly get snapped up, one billing has already taken shape, starkly prominent in the draw; that is, the quarterfinal billing between world No.4 Novak Djokovic and world No.5 Andy Roddick. It is no secret that there is no love lost between these two players, but the shared sentiment does not tell the whole story.

Since the 2008 US Open, Djokovic and Roddick have been battling for their position in the rankings and in the media. It all began when Roddick questioned the validity of Djokovic’s alleged ailments prior to their quarterfinal clash at Flushing Meadows. An affronted Djokovic, who felt slighted by Roddick in the press, settled the score before a sold out crowd at Arthur Ashe stadium; to his own detriment, though, Djokovic brazenly bragged about the feat in a courtside post-match interview and –surprise, surprise – turned the pro-Roddick New Yorkers even more against him and accordingly, fuelled Roddick’s desire for revenge.

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Not long afterwards, at the 2009 Australian Open, A-Rod got his shot at Djokovic and this time the proceedings went his way. So much so, that Djokovic didn’t bother to finish the match, retiring in the fourth set down 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-2, 2-1. Djokovic had been struggling with the heat on that day in Melbourne. Maybe he saw the writing on the wall and decided there was no point in finishing. Whatever the motivation, quitting a match when you are the defending champion is perplexing. To deny Roddick the full satisfaction of a victory, somewhat understandable, given their love-hate history.

Yet, any lingering questions of what might have been had Djokovic hung in that match, whether he would have pulled a rabbit out of the hat, were quickly dispelled when they collided for a second time this year in the Californian desert. Roddick handed Djokovic, ironically the defending champion at Indian Wells at the time, a 6-3, 6-2 beat down, sending him packing with his tail firmly between his legs.

Thus goes the prologue to this third encounter dramatically, so it is understandable, as they get set to battle for a third time this season alone, why many tennis fans are dying in anticipation for this match, curious to know how the third act will transpire.

Tennis Betting Line: Andy Roddick vs. Novak Djokovic

Match Time: 11 A.M. Eastern Time Friday August 13 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: Roddick leads the head-to-head series 3-2, which includes a 2-0 mark against Djokovic in 2009. Just as losing to Djokovic at the US Open last season left a bitter taste with Roddick and fuelled his desire for redemption, I would imagine Djokovic’s two losses to Roddick – as a defending champion in both events – didn’t go down well with him either. Does that then mean he has more incentive and motivation to beat Roddick this time around than Roddick does. Perhaps so. But does that make him a lock for the win? Not really.

On form, there is little to bash in either camp. They have had impressive seasons –enviable by most standards. Grumpy opinions would have you believe they have disappointed for faltering on big occasions – methinks that is a harsh assessment. Roddick stands accused of this travesty in his back-to-back finals losses – to Federer at Wimbledon and Del Potro, most recently, at Legg Mason. Same goes for Djokovic in his three-consecutive losses to Rafael Nadal – at the Monte Carlo Masters final, Rome Masters final and Madrid Masters semis. You could add his loss to Andy Murray at the Miami Masters final to the list of grievances against him as well.

The reality is simple though: they were bested by the best players (better than they are right now) in the game full stop. They are perhaps unfortunate to be living in an era that boasts not one but several exciting players.

All that is fine but what does this mean for their encounter tomorrow you might be wondering? Well, in that in some respects they are equally matched. To put a finer point to it: the match is for the taking.

Djokovic is the more naturally talented tennis player while Andy Roddick the more natural athlete. The difference is that while tennis comes easier to Djokovic, Roddick has had to work hard at it. He has never worked as hard as he has recently under the guidance of Larry Stefanki and he is enjoying the fruits of that labour. Might he taste victory one more time? I would like to say that working hard automatically entitles him to victory but it doesn’t. I have a sneaking suspicion Djokovic might finally get into the win column against Roddick this season; but whom I want to win is Roddick. Here is hoping so.

Tennis Free Picks: Roddick in three sets