US Open 2011 Preview: Novak Djokovic vs. Conor Niland

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic will meet Irish qualifier Conor Niland in his opening match of the 2011 US Open at Flushing Meadows. Djokovic is expected to thrash inexperienced Niland, who will be playing the biggest match of his career.

The winner of the Aussie Open and Wimbledon this year, top-seed Novak Djokovic will start off his 2011 US Open campaign against Irish qualifier Conor Niland, who is ranked World No. 199 in the world. Obviously, Djokovic is crushing favourite in this battle and he will be looking forward to run through this contest – swiftly. Niland earned a gruelling 2-6 6-1 6-4 win over Dutchman Matwe Middelkoop to qualify for his   second consecutive grand slam. Earlier, he qualified for Wimbledon, where he lost in five sets to Adrian Mannarino in round one. The Irish contender has a very little experience on tour and this year he has played only three matches, ended up losing in two. In fact, his career record is also poor with a 9-11 record. Niland can relish this opportunity and give his best against Novak Djokovic, who is looking way ahead of his main opponents at the moment.

If we observe carefully, then the year 2011 certainly belongs to Novak Djokovic. Though, he could not win the French Open, as he was stopped in the semis by Roger Federer, but the Serbian is very high on achievements this season. Two Grand Slam titles and five ATP Masters crowns – Djokovic is the most favourite contender to win US Open title this year; his 57-2 is the best win-loss record since John McEnroe entered New York with 59-2 next to his name in 1984. This will be a first meeting between Niland and Djokovic.