(1) Rafael Nadal vs. (7) Andy Murray
Ricky: The good news for Murray is that he played Nadal tough in a recent Rome three-setter, he seems to be well past his back-surgery issues, and he is playing the best clay-court tennis of his career (this is just his second-ever French Open semifinal). Unfortunately, that standard was still barely good enough to survive five-setters against Philipp Kohlschreiber and Gael Monfils. Nadal is not at his dominant best, but he has plenty of momentum after pulverizing Ferrer in the last three sets of their four-set quarterfinal. Since Murray won their first Grand Slam semifinal at the 2008 U.S. Open, Nadal has won four such meetings in a row–and none of those four meetings were particularly competitive. Nadal is simply far better than Murray at this point in majors, especially at Roland Garros. Don’t be surprised if this is a beatdown of the highest order. Nadal 6-4, 6-4, 6-1.
Steen Kirby of Tennis East Coast: Nadal just beat Murray in Rome, but it took him three sets. The Spaniard has won all five previous meetings on clay and he leads the overall head-to-head series 14-5. Murray has a had a great fortnight to reach the semifinals and it’s clear he is finally improving from back-surgery recovery time, but this is Nadal on red clay at the French and a back issue of his own has seemed better the past two matches. Murray is coming off two five-set matches, so I think this is the end for him…and in routine fashion. Nadal 7-5, 6-4, 6-2.
Joey Hanf of The Tennis Nerds: At one point Wednesday, with the sun fading in Paris, it seemed like both Murray and Nadal might have play their respective quarterfinals over two days. However, both men finished their matches in time and they were both rather bizarre contests. Nadal faced his first test of the tournament against Ferrer and after dropping the first set, he quickly found his best form and lost only five games in the next three sets. Murray played one of the craziest matches of the year, winning the first two sets against Monfils before dropping the next two. He then bageled the Frenchman in the fifth. The Nadal-Murray “rivalry” isn’t exactly a rivalry, but Murray has had some big Grand Slam wins over Nadal. He has beaten Nadal at the Australian and U.S. Opens, but clearly the Spaniard is different animal at Roland Garros. I haven’t seen Murray hit his forehand as well as he is now since Wimbledon last year, so I think he will push the favorite. But greatest clay-courter of all time simply does not lose in the semifinals. Nadal 4-6, 6-2, 5-7, 6-4, 6-1.
Jared Pine of the Second Serb: Tennis fans had to wait almost three years for this rivalry to be renewed a couple weeks ago in Rome, and it was worth the wait. Nadal came back from a break down in the deciding set to win 7-5 in the third. Now the two are meeting in the semifinals, the same round in which 11 of their 19 previous meeting have taken place, including seven in a row. Both players struggled at times in their quarterfinals but finished strong to advance, and will be relatively well-rested for their semifinal. This has always been a bad matchup for Murray and it is only worse on clay. Nadal should have no real problem getting to his ninth French Open final. Nadal 5-7, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
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(18) Ernests Gulbis vs. (2) Novak Djokovic
Ricky: This is going to be an intriguing battle between Gulbis’ offense and Djokovic’s defense. Djokovic, of course, is not a strictly defensive player, but Gulbis has never been more confident and he will come out swinging freely and will not let up regardless of the score. That tactic, combined with the fact that the Latvian is playing by far the best tennis of his life, will keep him competitive for a while. However, this is Gulbis’ first trip to a major semifinal. Djokovic, on the other hand, has slam semis for breakfast and he even has six Grand Slam titles. Experience will be factor, as will Djokovic’s superior ability to that of–say, Roger Federer, Tomas Berdych, and just about anyone–to make Gulbis hit extra balls to finish points. Djokovic 7-6, 6-3, 6-3.
Steen: Gulbis and Djokovic have not met in three years. Gulbis has never taken a set off the Serb in in his four losses to him, but he does have a lone win in 2009 on a hard court. Gulbis is on an amazing run and has enjoyed a fantastic past couple of weeks, having now made himself a Top 10 player. Djokovic, though, is also on a long winning streak and has dropped just one set in his five matches this fortnight. Gulbis thrashed Berdych in the quarters, but Djokovic is at a different level. Again, my pick is the higher seed and favorite in straight sets. Djokovic 7-6, 6-4, 6-1.
Joey: One of my favorite quotes of the year was Gulbis saying that he has chosen to go on the “gluten-full” diet. Of course, his semifinal opponent is famous for his gluten-free diet and if you think Gulbis’ statement was just a coincidence, think again. He was taking a little jab at Djokovic and it will be interesting to see how the match plays out. Gulbis has been serving very well all tournament and his movement has been Djokovic-like. However, the world No. 2’s motivation to complete the career Grand Slam may be greater than Gulbis’ motivation to be world No. 1, and that’s saying something. The Latvian always says nothing short of winning the tournament is a success, but I sensed a level of relief from him after his quarterfinal crushing of Berdych. The tipping shot in this match will be Djokovic’s backhand down the line, which will feed right into Gulbis’ weakness, the forehand. Gulbis will certainly not tank like some have in this tournament, but Djokovic will be too good in a best-of-five match. Djokovic 4-6, 7-5, 6-2, 7-6.
Jared: To say this is a dream semifinal would be a stretch since these two could have just as easily met in the first week in Paris. However, a match featuring two of the best two-handed backhands in the game right now is not the only thing that makes this a mouth-watering semifinal. This is a matchup of brute force and elastic defense between two friends, who even share a little bit of history at this event. Prior to this semifinal, Gulbis’ best result at a slam was the quarterfinals at Roland Garros in 2008, when he lost in three competitive sets to none other than the Serb. Djokovic has been a part of many thrilling semifinals at majors and this should be another one. Djokovic 4-6, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4, 7-5.
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I think the final will be similar to their 2012 FO final or 2013 US Open final. Nadal in 4 after losing the second or third set. Things that could make an impact in my view:
1. Weather: If its dry and sunny, advantage Nadal and it is a big advantage IMO as Nadal’s forehand will be at its menacing best.
2. First set: Djokovic must start well and win the first set to have any chance of winning the final. At the moment, I don’t see him being conditioned enough to go to a 5th set and win it in the end. If he doesn’t win the first set he just might stop believing that he can beat Nadal in a best of five on this court. On the other hand, Nadal can loose the first set and still come back and win the match in 4 or 5.
3. Nadal’s forehand vs. Djokovic’s backhand: Nadal’s DTL forehand and Djokovic’s DTL backhand will be the key shots that can make or break their fortunes.
4. Serve: Nadal’s first serve percentage and speed will be key to his success. He needs to make sure that djokovic doesn’t get too many looks at his second serve. Djokovic, on the other hand, needs to return Rafa’s second serve aggressively to put pressure at the start of the rally.
5. Nerves: I think both men will start a little nervous. novak because its RG and he is up against Rafa, and Rafa because Novak has beaten him the last four times. Their nerves could be the difference in converting break point chances, serving for the set or serving for the match.
Congrats folks on the semifinal
Few tweets
Matthew Willis @mwdw_ · 1h
Nadal will become first player to win at least 1 slam for 10 consecutive years if he wins Sunday #Incredible #RG14 cc
DjokerNole: “I know that it will be a physically demanding match [against Nadal]… I’m ready for it.”
Douglas Robson @dougrobson · 2h
Djokovic took more than 2 hours to come to press and referred to some physical issues he did not want to discuss, but sounded a little sick.
Rafael Nadal: Novak Djokovic will be full of confidence after winning in Rome but I think I am getting better day by day.
I’m going to try & be aggressive against Nadal,” says @DjokerNole. “That’s the only way I know how to play him.”
“There’s no doubt that he’s the favorite to win the final.” -Novak Djokovic on facing Rafael Nadal at the French Open.
Steve Tignor @SteveTignor · 2h
Nadal-Djokovic to play French Open final. Nadal 5-0 against him at Roland Garros; Djokovic has won their last 4 matches. #RG14
Ben Rothenberg @BenRothenberg · 3h
Not sure what’s more shocking, that Nadal has won 40 out of 47 points on serve, or that Murray has only won 7 of 47 points on return.
Thanks for the feature Sanju! That tweet got a ton of attention.
willmw in da house.
How will Nole’s coach be feeling tomorrow?
to Hawkeye63
The stadium was crowded during Rafa’s SF match
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10447735_754596504562020_8147244534817394573_n.jpg
The crowd also gave him a standing ovation and chanted “Rafa, Rafa, Rafa…….” at the end of the match.
If Murray hadn’t played his Qtr F on PC, some would have said that’s why he lost so badly.
All this Djoko sickness ignore..Hell come all charged and ready for the final. Rafa don’t underestimate him 1 bit
Rafa uttering this 4 match losing streak not good (:- This is your kingdom Rafa, it starts 0-0
^^It also started 0-0 for Gulbis, look how that turned out…………….
@Sanju,
Rafa is playing possum. He knows that those four wins are not the same as beating him at RG, where he is King. However, Rafa is maybe indicating how Novak will be thinking – that he’s beat him the last four times. That’s what I try to do, get in the mind of Rafa’s opponent and figure out what he’s thinking in approaching a big match. Rafa is smart enough to sense how Novak will be preparing for this match. But he and everyone else in the world knows that it’s a whole other thing to beat him at RG. 🙂
Just an off the topic comment. Monica – what has happened to you?
Billionaire Tom Golisano, 73, will wed former tennis star Monica Seles, 41. He says they are engaged.
We may well ask Monica what first attracted her to the BILLIONAIRE, Tom Golisano. lol
^^Another good one from nadline…LOL.
well Seles looks about that old
Nothing scary from RAFA, Hope Nole will do it in straights.
@sabs,
Now that’s funny! 😀
Yeah Sabs, you go ahead and hope
Murray’s presser:
“That’s the toughest match I’ve played against him,” said a disconsolate Murray. “You can go out there with, you know, all the tactics in the world, but when he’s hitting the ball like that, it’s very difficult to put the ball where you want to.
“Against his forehand – especially with the conditions the way they were today – it was incredibly hard to control the ball. As soon as he was inside the court, he was hitting the ball so close to the line. Then when I did have the opportunity, I wanted to make a winner or make him run too much, and I ended up making a lot of mistakes.
“It’s difficult, because I normally strike the ball fairly cleanly. Today I was mis-hitting a lot of balls. It was incredibly frustrating. I never want to say forget about matches like this, but obviously the grass-court season starts in a couple of days and I need to switch my mind to that.”
Tiggy’s sticking with his pre-tournament pick, Novak. Well and good. But what got me scratching my head is the justification:
“A second thing in his favor: No matter what their form appears to be coming into their showdowns, Djokovic tends to leave it behind and play better when he faces Nadal. Three weeks ago in Rome, Rafa blitzed Grigor Dimitrov in one semifinal, while a testy Nole barely survived Milos Raonic in the other. Yet the next day it was Djokovic who beat Nadal in the final, and played some of the best tennis of his career to do it.
Thinking about it some more, Nadal’s quarterfinal win over Ferrer also reminded me of his quarterfinal win over Tomas Berdych at the 2012 Australian Open. There, as here, Rafa started slowly before finishing at the top of his game. In his next match in Melbourne, he played his best tennis of the tournament to beat Roger Federer. Then he faced Djokovic in the final. We all know what happened in that match. Get ready for a good one. Winner: Djokovic
So, Tignor’s seeing “similar” patterns to Rafa’s losses to Novak……………..in Rome, and the Australian Open??
Someone’s stolen Tiggy’s brains. I cannot believe the stuff he writes these days………..
^^Sorry, forgot to post the link:
http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2014/06/first-ball-66-final-round-forecasts/51695/#.U5I0sU1ZrIU
I used to really like reading Tiggy. What happened with his objectivity in the last, I don’t know, two years?
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Yes, Tignor has been sounding colicky of late………..
I have to agree about Tiggy. I honestly cannot follow his logic and reasoning in this latest blog. I have been saying that it’s a whole other thing entirely to take on Rafa at RG. In 2011, Novak beat Rafa at both Rome and Madrid yet he didn’t even get past Fed that year to meet Rafa in the final. Last year he beat Rafa at MC and ended his winning streak, yet he lost to him in the semifinals.
Why can’t Tiggy see the pattern? Whatever previous losses Rafa had to Novak, it all went out the window at RG each time they played. So I don’t get it.
One by one, they are falling off the Novak is favourite bandwagon:
RT @AndrewCastle63 : “Impossible to pick a #FrenchOpen winner. #Nadal blows my mind, best clay courter ever. #Djokovic could cut him down “
A family that eats together, stays together………..
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152271450581026
“Celebrating today’s victory with family. Thanks for being always with me!”
#Always
Vamos Rafa!!
http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/06/rafael-nadal-novak-djokovic-french-open-final-2014-preview
If Rafael Nadal wins:
1. Earns his ninth French Open title. No man in the history of tennis has won any tournament (from a Slam to a lowly 250) that many times.
2. Becomes first man in history to win a Grand Slam in 10 consecutive years.
3. Ties Pete Sampras for second on the all-time list of Grand Slam wins with 14. Moves to within three of tying Roger Federer.
4. Becomes first man to win five straight French Open titles. Nadal has twice won four straight at Roland Garros (including the current run). Bjorn Borg also won four straight from 1978-81.
5. Snaps a four-match losing streak to Djokovic (’14 Rome final, ’14 Miami final, ’13 Barclays WTF final, ’13 Beijing final).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=in-4zPYEj90
great video 😉
Thanks Rafaelo. I’ve always thought that tennis is the most demanding of all sport.
you are very welcome dear 🙂
What has been missed is Rafa is now the 2nd in all time list in GS finals..He has reached 20 and is 2nd behind Roger at 24. Remarkable.
It all depends who will be mentally stronger of the 2 and can handle his nerves better. The one who handles it better wins it.
There is a lot at stake just like their 2012 final – Career slam and grabbing No 1 for Novak, Retaining No 1 and his kingdom at RG plus tying with Pete for 14 for Rafa.
http://www.tennisworldusa.org/My-superstitions-my-tiers-my-fears-Rafael-Nadal-articolo18416.html
how sweet is he!? 🙂 look at respect he has for roger!
What Rafa? You cried when Fed won RG 2009? I wonder if Fed ever got emotionally happy when you won USO 2010 or any big title.
The day when the world of sports made you cry
“I cried the day that Federer won the French Open in 2009. It really touched me. He really deserved to win this tournament, after all the finals and semifinals he played. He really deserved to have all 4 Grand Slam titles. I also cried when Spain won the Soccer World Cup in South Africa (Rafa was there)”.
I wonder if he would cry if Nole wins RG! 😀
^^Nope. Rafa’s no mug. He knows where the power lies, with the legion of Federazzi infecting the tennis establishment and the media. He wants to keep them anaesthetized especially at this crucial juncture when he is so close to upsetting the number of Slams apple-cart. So, he trots out these well choreographed, treacly homilies about Fed now and again. It disarms them.
Look what they did with the time violation thing…………..
He does not need to “butter-up” Djokovic.
On the contrary, Roger laughed when Rafa lost to Rosol……………..for 10 mins!
nadline 10 (at 7:08)
Yes, Fed laughed for 10 minutes when Rafa lost to Rosol in 2012.
MailOnline 30 June 2012: ¤¤ Rosol’s victory over Rafa just made me laugh, says Federer.
Roger Federer has admitted he was ‘laughing’ as his archrival Rafael Nadal crashed out in the biggest upset of this year’s men’s singles – and says he is glad that big names can still be humbled by minnows.
“It was nice to see it’s still possible,” said Federer. “I think 15 years ago you had matches like this much more often, when [an outsider] could catch fire and just run you through.”
“It was amazing to see such an upset was still possible. OK, so Rosol didn’t play like that for five sets, but in the fifth he was playing so well it was a joke. I was laughing because of his performance for 10 minutes after that. I couldn’t believe that he pulled it off the way he did.” ¤¤
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2167034/Wimbledon-2012-Lukas-Rosols-victory-Rafael-Nadal-Roger-Federer-laugh.html
Karma boomeranged back in 2013 – Federer lost to S. Stakhovsky. 😆