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Serbia is still the favourite despite 1-2 after the first two days

One thing is for sure - if this match takes place, home court will definitely be an advantage for Serbia. Besides, Tipsarevic's experience as well as his quality, despite his not so good year is a thing that tips the scales in the host's favour

The two top Canadian players have a similar style of play. Both Raonic and Pospisil base a lot of things on their excellent serve and straight and quick hits. So no wonder Serbia chose a clay court in order to "numb" the Canadians' strongest weapons.

However, the Serbs ended up in an awkward situation after the first two days. Tipsarevic lost the 4-hour marathon match against Raonic, whereas the Serbian doubles lost in another five-set match, and lost the lead that Djokovic brought in the first match. 


If we can count on the world number 1 beating Raonic in the first match of the day, we are in a situation that this match decides on the finalist. All pressure will be on Tipsarevic, who hasn't had the most brilliant of seasons. He emphasized more than once that he doesn't know what's happening to him. However, US Open brought a smile to his face. But after losing to Milos that face returned to being murky again. 


- I am disappointed. I did not play bad and I felt I had the strength for another two hours. I had my chances but unfortunately I didn't take them, while he did. I think he was slowly losing fuel, but his serve pulled him out. I feel bad because of this loss, but what can I do now - wondered Janko. 


The Serb even had a match point, but the Canadian's aggressive play simply "clicked". 34 ace serves is not a small number, just like 105 winners. However, we should say it could have gone either way, and Tipsarevic is aware of that. Besides, his win could have practically secured the overal Serbian win. 


- This match was simply about the details. I really thought I was going to win. Raonic did not play better than me and the break in the fourth set was a stupid thing - said Tipsarevic bitterly.


He probably desperately wants Djokovic to win. That would mean he had a chance to take the match-winning point for Serbia and make up for the Raonic loss in that way. Besides, in this match he is facing a player of similar features and playing style, but of a lower level than Milos. 


That player is Pospisil who tried playing similarly to his compatriot, but he was facing Novak Djokovic, and Vasek got burnt pretty bad. The Serbian No. 1 player made the Canadian move and play the ball which didn't agree with him. After the first break, things went downhill, which is revealed by the 49 unforced errors in 24 games. 


- Novak is the World No. 1 for a reason. I wanted to play the best I can, but when I suffered the first break, I just panicked. Novak never gave me a chance to find my rhythm - said Pospisil.


That is the reason of his defeat. Canadian is not a player who can play any style other than his own. Djokovic forced longer rallies, neutralized his strengths, which didn't go well with Pospisil. That is the same tactics that Tipsarevic should apply. When he is forced to move and to play backhand, he is prone to self-destruction and forcing things which are simply not done. 


- When you are playing someone who plays so well and quick, you have to accept that fact. Novak played phenomenally, without a mistake and he didn't give me a chance to surprise him - admitted Pospisil who didn't get a single break opportunity during the match. He added:


- I am not satisfied with my performance, but I think I have the time to prepare and recover for the doubles match and hope for a win.


That is what can be a double-edged sword. Pospisil played doubles and won, which gave him an incredible psychological boost of self-confidence and positive vibration. However, at the same time it was a five-setter that went on fr four hours. One thing is for sure, if this match does take place, Serbia's home court advantage will play  role. Besides, Tipsarevic's quality and experience in spite of his not so brilliant season place the hosts in the favourite role even though they are down 1-2 after the first two days. 

If we assume Novak Djokovic beats Milos Raonic, then this duel will decide who goes on to the Davis Cup final. Should that really happen, I think Tipsarevic is much closer to winning, for several reasons. Firstly, he has far more experience in playing matches like these, which will most certainly carry some weight. It is true that Janko is having a very bad season in general, but New York showed him rising in form and gaining confidence. A defeat by Raonic should not be seen as a tragedy. As Tipsarevic said himself, he was in no way worse on the court, and he might have won the match. Pospisil is similar to Raonic as a player, but on a lower level. It was obvious he tended to panic when forced to play longer exchanges or go for an extra move. Tipsarevic is the kind of player that can do that, especially on clay. I must admit I put my faith in Janko in this duel, where he will have lots of help from the crowd as well. True, the audience can't pull of a break, but it will surely put wind in his sails and provide him with shots of confidence and adrenalin. Tipsarevic is a better, more rounded player and, best of all, knows precisely what to do in the court. He has a "back up plan", which cannot be said for Pospisil. He will step out into the court, play his "boom-boom" game, and pray to the gods of tennis that it goes through.