US Open Day 13 Preview & Betting – Can Djokovic & Federer Secure Dream Final?

It’s crunch time at Flushing Meadows as we enter the concluding weekend of this year’s US Open in New York.

The final Grand Slam of 2014 has been a truly marvellous event and the best is yet to come with today’s Men’s semi-finals, which include both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, along with tomorrow’s finals.

Prepare yourselves for a memorable weekend of action.

US Open Day 12 Review

Women’s semi-final day served up two highly entertaining prospects and Friday night’s action didn’t disappoint.

In the first match, Danish starlet Caroline Wozniacki continued her rejuvenated form by booking her place in the final. The match was ended early as opponent Shuai Peng retired but at 7-6, 4-3 it looked highly likely that the No.10 seed would progress.

For all of her consistency over the years, let’s not forget she has twice finished the year as World No.1, this will be only her second ever Grand Slam final appearance and offers her the chance to secure a perfect ending to what has been a difficult few months both on and off the court.

However, the most difficult hurdle still remains.

As for Peng, it was a bittersweet ending to a wonderful fortnight. After an extended break, which followed a serious bout of cramp for the China starlet, she returned to play four more points before crumbling in a heat with severe problems. Unable to continue, she was eventually taken away in a wheelchair. A sad sight, but she will hopefully be back stronger than ever soon.

In the other semi-final, defending champion Serena Williams looked like a woman on a mission as she made light work of Russia’s Ekaterina Marakova with a dominating 6-1, 6-3 scoreline. Her quick demolition even resulted in one fan shouting out “Slow down, I’m not going home yet” as she raced to a comfortable.

After failing to reach any Grand Slam final this year it seems almost inevitable that she will end the year with a successful defence of her home crown. Although Woniacki might have a few things to say about that.

Sunday’s showdown should be immense.

Can Djokovic And Federer Book Wimbledon Repeat?

After the classic final Wimbledon early this summer, along with the fact that defending champ Rafael Nadal is still out through injury, pretty much all tennis fans would have dreamt of a Federer – Djokovic final and we are now just one round away from seeing that become reality.

The No.1 and 2 seeds have been in sparkling form over the past fortnight and will each be fully expected to shine at the Arthur Ashe Stadium today. First up, tournament favourite Djokovic takes on No.10 seed Kei Nishikori.

If Djokovic performs as he did against Andy Murray in the previous round then the Serb should overwhelm his Japanese opponent, who is competing in his first ever Grand Slam semi-final. That lack of experience on the big stage could also prove vital as the World No.1 is playing in his eighth consecutive semi and bids to reach a sixth straight final. You have to believe that Novak’s quality will shine through.

Federer could be in for a slightly more challenging time against Marin Ciilic, who absolutely barged his way past Tomas Berdych in the quarter-final. This is only the Croat’s second Grand Slam semi but he should give the Swiss favourite a difficult test. Nevertheless, the best tennis player in history will be expected to advance.

Elsewhere, Marakova will look to bounce back from yesterday’s defeat to Serena Williams by landing the Women’s Doubles trophy as she and fellow Russian Elena Vesnina face Flavia Pennetta and Martina Hingis in the final.

Can Hingis roll back the years to claim a first Grand Slam title since 2002 or will it be the Russian duo who win the prize?

US Open Day 13 Betting

First and foremost, Saturday’s matches should serve up a stunning spectacle. However, we’ve got a couple of bets lined up to hopefully increase that enjoyment.

In the first semi-final we are expecting Djokovic to put in another masterclass as he bids to reach yet another final. It was a difficult start to 2014 for the Serb star but he has bounced back strongly and is still favoured to win a second title of the year.

He should make light work of Nishikori, in spite of the Japanese star’s obvious talent.

Under 33.5 total games is 10/11 with Ladbrokes

The other semi-final could be a little closer but Federer should complete his route to the final and book that dream final that will have tennis fans everywhere salivating at the prospect of a repeat of that classic at Wimbledon.

Federer had to overcome a spirited Gael Monfils in the quarters and it could be a similar story against Cilic. However, the Swiss superstar is unlikely to make such hard work for himself and we think he can get the job done in four sets.

Federer to win 3-1 is 13/5 with SkyBet