Novak Djokovic takes on Benjamin Becker on Friday in Round 2 of the 2013 US Open. The match is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Watch the live stream HERE and HERE.
Djokovic has reached the US Open semifinals for the last three consecutive years, yet has only one title to show for it. On his quest for his second US Open win, Djokovic appears likely to meet Andy Murray in the semifinals. The importance of winning in New York isn't lost on the Serb.
"This is the last Grand Slam of the year," Djokovic told USOpen.org on Tuesday. "I have high expectations for myself. There is no difference in my approach this year than last few years. Knowing that I've done so well in past years, had such a good record, gives me enough reason to have this confident and optimistic approach."
With a 44-8 record, the World's No. 1 tennis player should be confident. He has three titles on the year, including the Australian Open, and could have more if not for semifinal losses to rival Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros and Canada, and a loss to Andy Murray in the Wimbledon final.
Despite his World ranking, Djokovic admitted earlier in the week that Nadal is the man to beat this year. For the possibility of showdown in the final against Nadal, Djokovic must get past Becker on Friday.
Becker, ranked No. 87 in the World, has struggled this season. The German is 7-15 on the year and without any titles. He fell in the second round of the Australian Open and the first round of the French Open.
Becker nabbed his seventh win of the season on Tuesday against Lukas Rosol, winning in four sets (6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4).
Djokovic and Becker have met only once, when the Serb won in three sets at the 2008 Australian Open.
*Stats via ATPWorldTour.com and MatchStat.com.
