Wimbledon Men's Semifinals Preview in brief

We're fast reaching the end of the fortnight at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, and the big four (minus one) have done what was expected of them.  This Friday, we will see the top three, plus a number twelve seed do battle for a spot in the Sunday's final.  Rafael Nadal will face with the great British hope, Andy Murray, and  Novak Djokovic will take on Frenchman, Jo Wilfried Tsonga.

Andy Murray (left); Rafael Nadal (right)

In the quarterfinals, Rafa dispatched Mardy Fish 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4.  It was pretty routine until the third set when Rafa took his foot off of the gas and let the American back into the match.  Nadal showed no signs of being hampered by the foot injury he suffered against Del Potro, saying after the match “I don’t have nothing really important. I have pain on the foot. I cannot run in perfect conditions without sleep the foot. But I don’t know how exactly to say in English. Is strange for me. The anesthetic there I don’t feel nothing, I don’t feel the pain.”  Andy had a bit of an easier time in his quarterfinal match against Feliciano 'Deliciano' Lopez, winning in straight sets 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.  If Andy plays the way his been playing throughout the tournament (I've said these words before) he has a fighting chance.  Rafa is not playing his best tennis.  Not that Rafa needs to play his best tennis to win anything, but he hasn't been as focused as he needs to be to win against a guy the caliber of Andy Murray.  As long as Andy doesn't revert to his passive, defensive game, he has a very good shot of reaching the final.  Andy's thoughts on his chances against Rafa, "I believe I can win against him. I had chances last year. I was up a break in the third set; had break point on my serve in the second set. I think there was only one break in the first set. We both played good tennis. I just have to have a better game plan this year.''

Novak Djokovic (left); Jo Wilfried Tsonga (right)

Novak Djokovic just has to make the finals of Wimbledon to take over the number one ranking from Rafa, even if Rafa wins, Nole will be the world's number one.  Standing in his way is the man who took out Roger Federer in the quarterfinals, Jo Wilfried Tsonga. Nole made it to the semifinals with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 scoreline, but underestimated his 18 year old unseeded quarterfinal opponent, Bernard Tomic.  Tomic, who is the youngest player since Boris Becker to make it to the Wimbledon quarterfinals, played a lot of 'junk balls' causing Nole to fall out of his rhythm.  Had Nole not had the confidence that a 'one loss season' has given him, he could have been the second upset of the day.  Speaking of upsets, there is Mr. Tsonga, who came from two sets down to defeat six time champion Roger Federer in a thrilling five set match 3-6, 6(3)-7, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.  Jo-Willey is a big dude with a big game, and in coming back from two sets down to beat The Federer, he showed his mental resolve as well.  Not only will Djokovic have the pressure (again) of having the number one ranking on his raquet, he has the added pressure of Tsonga trying fight his own way into the finals.  Nole better bring his A game & his nerve, Tsonga will definitely fight until the end.

Roger Federer may be missing from the Wimbledon semi finals, but these two matches on Friday will both be full of fireworks (as long as Murray doesn't crumble).

Wimbledon, the Big Four & some honorable mentions

Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Andy Murray

It's quickly becoming that tennis time of year when it goes back to where it all began, the hallowed grounds of the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, better known to the masses as Wimbledon.  Dating back to 1877, the game today is a far cry from where it began, thanks in part to the Big Four of men's tennis, and the many tennis greats that came before them.  There's just something about watching tennis being played on grass, with everyone wearing their whites, that makes the game...sexy.  At only about five weeks, the grass court season goes by at the blink of an eye, and it's not nearly enough to time to fully appreciate the beauty of tennis played the way it originated.  Wimbledon is the final grass court tournament, and third slam of the year - it will begin on June 20th, and the final ball will be played on July 3rd.  The talk going into this year's Wimbledon is exactly where it should be, on the top four - deservedly so after their performances at the French Open.  Although the focus is definitely on them, there are some guys who could throw some monkey wrenches into the program.

Rafael Nadal

Number one, Rafael Nadal has been in the finals four times, 2006-2008 & 2010.  He was beaten by Federer in the '06 & '07 finals, before cracking the Federer code and taking the trophy for himself in 2008.  He was out with an injury in 2009 and was unable to defend his title, but coming back in 2010, he won the title again by defeating Tomas Berdych.  Rafa is not a grass court player by nature, he was born on the clay, but he made a point to improve his grass court play after winning his first French Open in 2005 & made winning Wimbledon his goal.  In the 2005 Wimbledon, he was ousted in the round of 64, but come 2006 he was in the final.  Rafa has long ago adjusted his game to suit any surface, and if he is in the draw, expect him to go far. With a renewed confidence after his French Open win, look for Rafa to be in the finals of this year's Wimbledon.

Novak Djokovic

Number two, Novak Djokovic's best performance at Wimbledon was last year when he made in to the semifinals, losing to Tomas Berdych.  He is currently having the best year of his career, with his only defeat coming from Roger Federer in the semifinals of the French Open he is currently 13-1 against top ten players.  Up until that point, he was on a 41 match win streak, with seven titles - including one major & four Masters series events.  Nole has proven (this year alone) that he can do battle with the two best players the game has ever seen, but the question going into Wimbledon is how will he bounce back after the defeat at the French.  Under normal circumstances it wouldn't have been an issue, but with the number one position being on his racket in that match, how will that weigh on him?  He has the game to go all the way, but where will his head be at?

Roger Federer

Roger Federer, current number three, is definitely not someone to be counted out, even if he is on course to be 30 years old in August.  I had doubted him going to the French Open, but he proved me & lots of others wrong.  The Federer is the most decorated player in the history of the game with sixteen major titles, six of them at Wimbledon ('03-'07 & '09).  His grass court game is Shakespearean - every move he makes is stoic, classic, and absolute poetry.  Roger has been a finalist at Wimbledon every year since 2003, with the exception of '10 where he was beaten in the quarterfinals by eventual finalist, Tomas Berdych.  Anytime there is grass underfoot, Roger must be included in the conversation.

Andy Murray

Number four ranked Andy Murray, my dearest Andy Murray. He's been in the last two Wimbledon semifinals, losing in '10 to eventual champion, Rafael Nadal, and in '09 to Andy Roddick.  Everyone knows that the Scot has the game to win a major, but he's head has not seemed to grasp that fact yet.  This probably the hardest major for Andy to play in, not because of the surface, but because of the British press.  Since Tim Henman's retirement, Andy has had the weight of British hopes for a major winner on his shoulders.  Maybe new coach/consultant, Darren 'Killer' Cahill, can help get Andy's head where it belongs.

Juan Martin Del Potro

Currently ranked number 22, Juan Martin Del Potro, will be a thorn in the side of any of top players that he may go up against.  His ranking is low only because he missed most 2010 with a wrist injury.  His game is one of power, hit his opponents off the court power, and he can move pretty well for a big guy.  He's done pretty well this year considering that he started the year off ranked 485.  The grass has never been his forte, but this a man who has had a taste of the big time and is hungry for more.

Andy Roddick

Andy Roddick, currently ranked number 10, could also make a little noise at Wimbledon.  He is a three time finalist ('04, '05, & '09) losing each final to the Swiss Maestro, Roger Federer.  The 2009 final was without a doubt his best showing at Wimbledon or against Federer in general, losing 14-16 in the fifth set.  He's a former US Open Champion (2003), and definitely has the game to win another title, but much like Andy Murray, his temper head gets in his way at times.  Roddick is on the tail end of his career, but with the right draw, and some old school ARod type play on the grass, he could definitely be around in week two of the tournament.  Can he take out an 'in form' Nadal, Djokovic,or Federer, highly doubtful.

Wimbledon Streaker

These six guys are just of sample of ones to look out for on the lawns of Wimbledon.  There are some others, like Jo Wilfried Tsonga, who recently took out Nadal in the quarterfinals of the AEGON Championships in London.  Tomas Berdych, who beat Federer in the quarters last year & went on to reach the final.  Robin Soderling, who has a game suited for the (now) slower playing grass courts at Wimbledon, or even David Ferrer, who is a scrappy, human backboard.  There will be plenty more players to raise some brows during the tournament, the majors are always full of surprises, and players making their breakthroughs, so I'm sure this one will be no different.  And of course, there is always the Wimbledon streaker!  Be sure to tune in!  If you are unable to watch on television, head over to livescorehunter.com for live feeds.

Congrats to Rafael Nadal - still the King of Clay

The French Open began two weeks ago with doubts about Rafael Nadal being able to repeat and equal Bjorn Borg's record of six titles.  Like a true champion he proved them (me) wrong.  When the tournament began, especially after his first round match against John Isner, he looked as if the loses to Novak Djokovic had taken some wind out of his sails.  Isner is a decent player, but in all honesty, he had no business taking a set off Nadal on clay.

Rafael Nadal (left). Roger Federer (right)

Whatever the issue at the beginning, by the end, Rafa was clear with his mission & how to go about it.  To Roger's credit, this was the best he's ever played Rafa in any of the other three finals they've contested against each other on Court Philippe Chatrier.  Roger seemed to know how to crack the Nadal code, but Rafa just didn't let him have his way.  When Sunday's final started, Roger Federer got out to a quick start, breaking Rafa in his first service game with a Nadal error into the net.  Both had service holds after that until Federer was serving for the first set at 5-3.  Rafa's forehand did wonders for him to get back on serve, two to go up 30 love, then another down the line at 30-40 to get back on serve.  Rafa breaks Federer's next service game as well, then holds his on serve to take the first set 7-5.

Rafa went on a seven game streak (beginning w/Roger serving at 5-3 in the first set) before Roger was able to hold his own serve.  Then with Rafa serving at 4-3, Roger breaks to level the second set 4 all.  Rafa immediately breaks back, then after a brief ran delay, Federer breaks again to get back on serve - 5 all.  Both guys hold their serves to take the second set to a tiebreak, which Rafa wins 7-3.  Two sets to love for Nadal.

Roger celebrates after winning the third set

Third set, Rafa breaks Roger's serve on his third service game, then...Roger breaks back.  Roger breaks again later in the set to go ahead 6-5, then serves it out to take the set 7-5.  

Rafael Nadal - game, match, set

When the fourth set began, it was clear Rafa had enough of Roger's shenanigans - Rafa has never lost in the finals at the French Open, and he was not about to let it happen today.  Serving at 1-2, Roger's serve disappoints him, then he hits a double fault to give Rafa three break points.  He only needed one.  Roger wouldn't win another game for the duration of the match, and we were witness to a scene that's played out on this court five times before - Rafa rolling in the red dirt in celebration.  7-5, 7-6(3), 5-7, 6-1, Rafael Nadal, six time Roland Garros champion.  Of all the years he's played the tournament, seven total, he's only lost one of them, that was in part to a bum knee and a guy named Robin Soderling.  

Rafael Nadal remains the King of Clay.  Big ups to Rafa.

French Open Final Preview

Friday's French Open semifinal matches were everything they were hyped up to be.

Rafa celebrates semifinal win against Andy Murray

Roger looking confident after defeating Djokovic

Rafael Nadal did what was expected, and dispatched Andy Murray in straight sets.  In Murray's defense, he is not a clay court player by nature, and this was the best he played against Rafa on the clay at Roland Garros.  Murray had many chances during the match, but Rafa proved too tough.  The second semifinal w/Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic was not as straight forward.  Nole went into the match undefeated this year and as the odds maker's favorite.  That was until The Federer of years ago showed up.  The first set was a tight one, with Federer taking it in the tiebreak.  Novak lost the second set, looking like the Djokovic of years ago, as if he was already beaten & had given up all hope.  Nole came back to take the third, but Roger administered kryponite to Superman, and took the fourth in a tie break.  I along with a lot of others, thought Nole would pull this one out, but Roger had other ideas.  He has proven, at least for now,  that he is not at all down and out.

This sets up a scene we have seen three times before, 2006 thru 2008.  During this period Federer was at the top of his game, at top of THE game, but he still couldn't take more than a set off Nadal at Roland Garros.  In the 2008 final, Roger was manhandled - losing 1-6, 3-6. 0-6.

Bjorn Borg

At the beginning of this year's French, Rafa didn't look like the Rafa we had been so accustomed to seeing on the red dirt of Roland Garros, blame it on the new balls.  Whatever the issue was, he has corrected it.  He looks prime to win his sixth French Open title, equaling Bjorn Borg.  Federer on the other hand has looked good up the semifinals, then in the semifinal match against the Djoker, he showed us something we hadn't seen from him a while - that steely confidence was back and in full flight.  His shots were cleanly hit, his movement was once again poetry.  That being said, this is the same way he looked coming into the '06, '07, & '08 finals against Nadal.  

Andy Murray (left), Rafael Nadal (right)

Novak Djokovic disgruntled

I said in my last post that I didn't think that Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros would remain 'Casa de Nadal' after this Sunday, but maybe I was wrong.  Maybe I'm wrong now, maybe Federer's win over Djokovic has ignited a spark him that has yet been unseen at the French, only time will tell.  Whatever happens in Sunday's final, my respect level for both of these guys went a couple notches higher after today's semifinals.  Include in that sentiment Djokovic and Murray.  They both lost their matches, but they both fought, they were just outplayed.

French Open Men's Semifinal Preview

During the past week and a half at this year's French Open, order prevailed as the top four players will be playing in Friday's semifinal matches.  Five time & defending champion Rafael Nadal will play the fourth seed Scot, Andy Murray.  On the other side of the draw, the number two seed, Serbian wonder boy, Novak Djokovic will play number three seed,the Swiss Maestro, Roger Federer.  There's no doubt that all four of these guys want to win, and there's no doubt that each one wants to prove something to himself and faithful aficionados of the sport.

Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal is known as the 'King of Clay', but recent events have brought about some questions about whether he will remain the 'King'.  In the last two clay court masters tournaments he played just before the French Open began, he was beaten in both finals by Novak Djokovic, in straight sets.  During the course of the French Open, he has at moments looked out of sorts when he would normally look like a lion going in for the kill.  Rafa himself has said, “I said two days ago I am not playing good enough to win Roland Garros. We will see in two days. That’s what I said."  He may be five time & defending champion, but I believe the words he speaks.  The losses to Djokovic in the last four finals, the last two on Rafa's red dirt, have caused a serious blow to his confidence.  I think we've definitely seen the end of Rafa clay court domination, the other fish in the water are getting bigger.  That being said, Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros remains 'Casa de Nadal', but I have serious doubts that it will be after this Sunday.  He's also at risk of losing his number one ranking, and there is nothing he can do about it but hope.  Going into his semifinal match against Andy Murray, he is the clear favorite, holding a  10-4 record against Murray, never having lost a match to him on clay, or any surface in five sets.

Andy Murray after injuring ankle

The Scotsman, Andy Murray, is starting to salvage his 2011 season after horrendous showings after this year's defeat in the Aussie Open to Novak Djokovic.  He's had a good clay court season, and his best showing yet at the French Open by making it to the semifinals.  He has a tough challenge against Rafael Nadal, but it's not one he cannot overcome.  This time last year, no one would have ever given him a snowball's chance in H-E-double hockey sticks against Rafa, but given Rafa's form this year, and the way Murray has been playing, he has a shot, albeit a long shot.  He injured his ankle in a match against Michael Berrer last Saturday, but seems to have bounced back from it, and is playing more freely now that he has nothing to lose.  It's funny how an injury can free a player up, and allow him to swing without fear.  The best part of the scenario is that Andy himself believes that he can beat Rafa on clay if he raises his game.  "I can definitely win.  I feel I can do it," said the 24-year-old Scot. "It's just making sure that, come Friday, I play my best tennis. I have to play a very consistent match and I have to be mentally strong. Tactically, I'm going to have to be very good."

Novak Djokovic

The best player on tour this year is without a doubt Novak Djokovic.  He's beaten Federer three times this year - two semifinals and one final, and Nadal four times, all in finals.  His confidence level is unmatched, and he's playing for more than just the title at Roland Garros.  Should he make it to the final, he will have taken over the number one spot in the world ATP rankings, even if he doesn't win.  If that's not motivation, I don't know what is.  He's been able to do what Nadal and Federer have done so well over the years, raise his came to much higher levels in a match when needed - just look at highlights from his match against Del Potro in the third round, the only player to take a set off of him during the tournament.  That match against DelPo could have easily been a quarter/semi/final match, it's just because of Juan Martin's injury induced ranking that they played so early in the tournament.  He will have had a four day break when his semifinal match against with Federer comes Friday, but with his current confidence level, that won't be an issue at all - if anything, it will be a curse, for Roger.  “I’ve played a lot of tennis, so I don’t think rhythm wise, I’m going to be affected,” the Serb told McEnroe in a Tennis Channel interview. “Still, I’m eager to get back to the court and compete, so I’m mentally motivated.”  He has previously reached the semifinals of the French two times  in 2007 & 2008, both times losing to Rafa, but this is Nole's year.

Roger Federer

Roger Federer has been surprisingly under the radar during this year's French.  With all the talk about the possible Nadal/Djokovic final, Roger is not feeling the pressure.  But his being left out of the conversation valid?  I think so.  Roger will be 30 later this year (Aug 8th), and 
although in everyday life, 30 isn't old, in tennis it's ancient - especially when the fiercest competition is coming from the likes of a two 24 year olds, Serbian, Novak Djokovic, and a Spainard nicknamed 'The Bull'.  Roger's game doesn't have the sting it used to have.  His serve has become very attackable, his forehand average, his backhand a liability, and he's a step slower.  Against Nole or Rafa, these are losing combinations.  Not to say that Roger will be a walker over for Djokovic, but the chips are definitely stacked against Roger in this semifinal.  I don't think his confidence has been shaken, he's been on top far too long for that to happen, it's just that the young guns have much more ammo than The Roger.

All things being said, these two semifinal matches should not disappoint.  If you have the chance to camp out to watch, I suggest that you don't miss them.  For those of you unable to be in front of a TV, but you do have internet access, head over to Live Score Hunter to view live.