Can anybody stop world number one Novak Djokovic? This remains a big question as the Serbian has been in an amazing from in 2015, winning prestigious ATP tour titles, including the Australian Open, Indian Wells Masters and Miami Masters.
Djokovic would be aiming at yet another ATP title as he faces Tomas Berdych in the finals of the Monte Carlo Masters on Sunday. The Serbian is an overwhelming favourite as has not dropped a set in the competition.
En route to the Matsers' finals he has thrashed players such as Marin Cilic and Rafael Nadal in the quarters and semis of the competition, respectively. The Serb shut out Nadal, who has won this competition an incredible eight times, 6-3 and 6-3.
No one has even threatened to defeat the Serbian in Monte Carlo. So, will Berdych even get a sniff of the title?
The Czech professional would not want Djokovic's path to the title to be a cakewalk and one of the best advantages for Berdych is the surface that they would be playing on -- clay. The 2010 Wimbledon finalist is quite good on the red surface.
But do we not consider Nadal the best player on clay surface? The semis result might scare the Czech.
Djokovic is wary of the Berdych's qualities on clay as the Serbian last suffered defeat against the Czech during the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Rome in 2013 on the red surface.
"I think he actually likes playing on clay. It gives him time to swing through on the forehand, plus backhand side as well. He has a good serve. He won against some very good players this tournament. He's one of the most consistent players we have this year," Monte Carlo Masters' official website quoted Djokovic as saying.
" I'm sure he's going to be very motivated. I'm going to try to just follow up on everything I've done so far this week, keep on playing the way I played. If I do so, I think I have a good chance."
Despite the playing surface, Djokovic has an impressive record over the Czech, who has only won 2 matches against the Serb in 20 appearances. Such stats just tilt the title in favour of Djokovic.
"I am aware of the fact that people would put me as a heavy favourite because of the results that I had and the record against him and so forth. But I still want to keep the same preparation, routine and mindset going, not really get carried away by this win, even though this win is big. I have one more match to go."
Djokovic would have his eyes on a special record provided he turns triumphant today. If he lifts the title later today, he will create history by becoming the first player to win the first three ATP World Tour Masters 1000s in succession.
Where to Watch Live
Novak Djokovic vs Tomas Berdych is scheduled for 2.30 pm local time (6 pm IST, 1.30 pm BST, 8.30 am ET) start. Live coverage in India will be on Ten Sports.
Audience in the US can watch the finals live on ESPN 3 or Watch ESPN.
Viewers in the UK can catch the action live on Sky Sports 5 and Sky Sports 5 HD.
Viewers around the world, including India, can catch the Monte Carlo Masters final via live streaming online on Tennis TV.
