Novak Djokovic is the bookies favourite to win this week.

Djokovic is the man in form at the moment after successive titles in Basel and Paris with convincing wins over Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The Serb took this title last year and is looking to back up his reputation as the player to beat indoors.

This match is a repeat of last year’s Masters Cup final in Shanghai. Davydenko was outclassed that day 6-1, 7-5 but he might well give Djokovic his toughest test in the round robin stage.

Their head-to-head is 2-2 with Djokovic also winning a strange match in last year’s round robin stages 7-6, 0-6, 7-5. Davydenko got his revenge on the same court last November when the tour returned to Shanghai for the penultimate Masters series event of the year. The Russian edged their semi-final 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 and went on to win the title at the expense of Nadal.

Djokovic quite enjoys getting into a slugfest with the other big hitters where he can usually back himself to come out on top. He likes playing against pace which Davydenko probably won’t give him. The Russian generally stays back and looks to wear Djokovic down with his speed and consistency, a dangerous tactic but it worked in Shanghai. He’s also one of the better returners on tour which helps to neutralize the Serb’s huge first serve.

Whatever the outcome it’s generally a long, drawn out three setter between these two but it’s probably safest to put your money on Djokovic to win.  

Djokovic is 4/9 favourite with Boylesports and Davydenko is 2/1 with sporting bet

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