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.