The early final poll

First topic message reminder :

With due respect to Jo Wilfried, the winner of this semi will be hot favourite.

Simple question; who do you really think will win, and how comfortably?

As a bonus incentive, feel free to make a precise prediction of the scoreline. I will evaluate afterwards and award a special prize to the winner. The basis of calculation for the winning prediction will be;

Exact set score first
Closest aggregate game score second
Correct sequence of sets third
Most exactly correct set scores break ties

I'll put entries up onto this main article if anyone's up for it. Go on, put them on the table!

Here's the brave guys so far

For Djokovic:

HM Murdoch 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4
Emancipator 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2
CAS. 6-1, 6-7, 6-4, 6-2
TSJ 6-2, 7-5, 6-4
Julius Marx. 7-6, 6-7, 6-7, 7-6, 20-18
Bogbrush. 6-4, 7-6, 3-6, 6-2
homogenised 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6
Craig. 6-4, 4-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-2
Danny. 7-6, 6-2, 4-6, 7-5
bantroban. 7-5, 4-6, 6-1, 6-4
Born Slippy. 6-3, 7-5, 4-6, 6-2
socal. 6-2, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3
summerblues 6-4, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3
Invisiblecoolers 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 6-3
luciusmann. 7-5, 7-6, 4-6, 4-6, 7-5

For Nadal:

lydian. 7-6, 7-5, 7-5
Bit5th. 6-1, 6-3, 6-0
Henman Bill. 2-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-7, 6-4
JubbaIsle. 7-5, 7-6, 6-4
whocares. 7-5, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2
Silver. 6-4, 6-7(6), 5-7, 6-2, 7-5
time please. 3-6, 7-6, 7-5, 6-4
ryan. 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 7-6(5)
Haddie. 7-5, 3-6, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5
YvonneT. 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, 6-3
Chequered. 7-6, 3-6, 7-5, 6-4
Manojchandra 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 7-5
kingraf. 6-3, 6-2, 6-3

Honourable mention: emancipator has claimed the draw.

Summary

So with 30 votes in, 16 favour Rafa and 14 Djokovic. Emancipator has got the extra pick of the draw should they have to move on to Wimbledon before they finish.

28 people have submitted precise score predictions, 15 for Djokovic and 13 for Nadal. Bit odd versus the poll results, but there you are. Some very similar scores put in, if the results comes out close to those we'll be calling on recounts for the result!

Set 1 Update: NOBODY predicted 6-4 Nadal 1st set.

Set 2 Update: 7 straight sets predictions are down now.

Set 3 Update: lot of predictions dropping out now, and few breadsticks predicted by anyone. Only break in the fifth saw one coming for Rafa.

Set 4 Update: well all the 3 and 4 set predictions are dead in the water. Just the 5 setters left. And Emancipator's draw. Henman Bill looking the standout candidate, but only if Nadal wins the 5th.


Final Score:

Actual Score: 6-4 3-6 6-1 6-7 9-7. Total games 30:25

Only three people predicted the scores for a 5 set win for Nadal:

Henman Bill. 2-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-7, 6-4 Total Games 27:26
Silver. 6-4, 6-7(6), 5-7, 6-2, 7-5 Total Games 30:25
Haddie. 7-5, 3-6, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 Total Games 27:27


WINNER

Despite Haddie achieving the correct order of sets, the rules were set that games count was the secondary measure. On that basis, for getting the EXACT score on both sets AND games, the winner is

Silver

Thanks LF Not too chaotic in the madhouse atm (mine, that is)

lydian - would be sweet, but not a chance!

time please wrote:Thanks LF Not too chaotic in the madhouse atm (mine, that is)

Welcome back to chaos (or Kaos) as your preference be, to a place called 606v2.

Nadal has already lost the match, according to Djoko http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/22796191

Well surely that doesn´t suprise you

IN SPITE OF
https://www.606v2.com/t44464-novak-puts-in-special-request

Well you talk the talk Novak when it suits you.

Even the ATP statistics make it a close encounter .. you pay your money and you take your pick.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2013/06/23/Roland-Garros-Thursday2-Djokovic-Nadal-Preview.aspx

Nadal in 4. Nadal has weapons to hurt Djokovic, he has seemed unwilling to be attacking against him (even more than against other players, I know people will say Nadal never attacks and has no attacking game because that's apparently the done thing even though it's never, ever been true) but hopefully he's realised that his attritional game doesn't work against Novak who has based his current success on toughening himself up and countering Rafa to a large degree. With that and his knees, Rafa needs to not play the percentages and needs to attack Novak a bit. He will scrape the first set in a tie breaker as both players struggle then Novak will win the second convincingly then Rafa will start to actually go for shots and win the next 2 7-5, 6-4

Haddie-nuff wrote:Well surely that doesn´t suprise you

IN SPITE OF
https://www.606v2.com/t44464-novak-puts-in-special-request

Well you talk the talk Novak when it suits you.

Well, Rafa IS the opponent in the next round, so it's OK to talk about it now!

I like the way Novak is talking pre-match. I like the fact that a player is saying "I'm coming here to win" before a match with Nadal. I wish more players would.

And in fairness, of any player on tour, Novak is the one who can say "I know what it takes"!

Yeah I prefer those who let their racket do the talking personally.
He hasn´t actually been on the top of his game either. Too close to call so I hope he isn´t left being the bridesmaid for your sake HM.. (Not mine) !!!

This match will be on first, at 12 noon our time.

Haddie-nuff wrote:Yeah I prefer those who let their racket do the talking personally.
He hasn´t actually been on the top of his game either. Too close to call so I hope he isn´t left being the bridesmaid for your sake HM.. (Not mine) !!!

I'm sure I'll survive!

Win or lose, the sun will rise the next day.

True HM.. and lets not be greedy Rafa has won it 7 times..

ChequeredJersey wrote:Nadal in 4. Nadal has weapons to hurt Djokovic, he has seemed unwilling to be attacking against him (even more than against other players, I know people will say Nadal never attacks and has no attacking game because that's apparently the done thing even though it's never, ever been true) but hopefully he's realised that his attritional game doesn't work against Novak who has based his current success on toughening himself up and countering Rafa to a large degree. With that and his knees, Rafa needs to not play the percentages and needs to attack Novak a bit. He will scrape the first set in a tie breaker as both players struggle then Novak will win the second convincingly then Rafa will start to actually go for shots and win the next 2 7-5, 6-4

Need an exact score for the 2nd set to put you in. Hope you can throw that in, we're getting a good list & it'd be great to have you on it.

Nadal bt Djokovic:

7-6, 3-6, 7-5, 6-4

I cannot believe how many people up here have voted for Djoko to win this match. To me its inconceivable that Nadal may lose this match simply because he will not. He is never going to allow Djokovic to rout him at RG, a place he feels most confident. The result at MC means nothing. Sure, it will give Djoko some confidence going into the match but he knows he has a tough match. Mind you both may as well give it their all as the final will be academic unless DF and JWT play ligths out tennis against whoever comes through here.

I really do not see a result different from the final last year. Also, Nadal has got better as the days have gone on. It will be baking tomorrow on court so that ball is going to kick up so high and I can bet you there will be more behind it as Nadal will want to prove to the world he still rules RG.

That said I am hoping Djoko can pull it off simply because it will give some excitement in this semi and the final will be something to look forward to as there is every possibility DF or JWT might take it Djokovic whereas if it is Nadal they have to play, that match will be won by Nadal in the locker room long before 2pm CET on Sunday.

Btw, havy rain expected on Sunday so it maybe a Monday finish.

Also, seems we're past 20 score predictions now. Quite a turnout.

You've done well, BB!

Interesting results so far on the poll. Nadal the favourite (albeit by the smallest margin!) but the most popular result is Novak in 4.

I'm starting to get excited now. This time tomorrow, I'll be in agony or ecstasy.

Or, knowing these two, I may be watching a first set tie break!

Thank you! I've actually had to work at work today so I'll transfer everything onto the main page when I get home. I just need bantroban to reverse one of those sets (he made it Djokovic by 4 sets to nil!!). The prospect of a 7-setter between these two, well..............

I think the other factor about the heat it is something Rafa loves being used to it (apart from the affects on the court) He loathes cold weather. If Novak has any breathing problems left at all strenuous exercise in the heat of the day is hardly going to help.
MY belief is the same as yours FF Rafa. So notwithstanding an injury or affects to his knee Novak is going to have to be at his very best imho. But hey this is a GS and all of this conjecture amounts to B ALL in the final analysis.

HM Murdoch wrote:Also, seems we're past 20 score predictions now. Quite a turnout.

You've done well, BB!

Interesting results so far on the poll. Nadal the favourite (albeit by the smallest margin!) but the most popular result is Novak in 4.

I'm starting to get excited now. This time tomorrow, I'll be in agony or ecstasy.

Or, knowing these two, I may be watching a first set tie break!

But as you have already said HM you WILL survive

Haddie-nuff wrote:But as you have already said HM you WILL survive

Indeed I will.

But that's not to say there won't be some major palpitations along the way!

Yes hiding behind the sofa chewing your nails up to the armpits with a G & T is how I deal with it MM not recommended but it works for me lol

Haddie-nuff wrote:Yes hiding behind the sofa chewing your nails up to the armpits with a G & T is how I deal with it MM not recommended but it works for me lol

It is heresy for me to say this, but my heart will be better protected once Fed hangs the racquet up.

I don't mind saying it's a bit pathetic isn't it?

No BB not at all I think Rafa has put years on me over the past few months ... so I think I know where you are at. Some would think it stupid that you could get like that over watching your favourite player play a game of tennis. I know many of my friends think Ive lost it and blame my high blood pressure on Nadal

bogbrush wrote:It is heresy for me to say this, but my heart will be better protected once Fed hangs the racquet up.

I don't mind saying it's a bit pathetic isn't it?

Yes! But I have no right to criticise.

I remember when Novak went a break up in the 2nd set at Wimbledon 11 v Rafa, I had to go out for a walk because I was getting too nervous!

The worst part is that in amongst the swirl of emotions, the rational part of the brain keeps reminding you how pathetic you are being.

And then, if the result is a loss, you not only get the disappointment, you also get the guilt about being so pathetic! I try to assuage that guilt by posting a stoic "congratulations fans of player X" message on this forum and hope that nobody cottons on to how gutted I am and calls me out for being a charlatan!

I really shouldn't watch tennis, should I?

O MM I think that is so "funny" (not laughable funny ) because when Rafa played his first match of this tournament and lost the first set and was in danger of losing the second .. I thought NO No no I cant watch this.. not losing first match of RG. Ill take the dog for a walk .. my nerves were ragged.. my husband says "why are you taking the dog for a walk I though Rafa was playing" I said so did I !!!!
Like you I really should not watch it .. it does nothing for my health.

My husband has just said I suppose you will be yelling at the tv tomorrow saying "come on Rafa for God´s sake"
See what you have done now BB... confession time

You are not alone. I took a walk for most the 2nd set of the Wimbledon final last year.
The problem I think is the sense of powerlessness; I have no problem being in really tense situations which I can influence, but just sitting there is bad. That said, it's silly because these guys couldn't care less about our lives!

It's the rising tension that does me in.

I find Novak being a set up in a slam final excruciating. Even though the odds of winning are better, the pain of losing will be much greater.

It's torture by hope!

We should take a leaf out of the book of your TV doctor alter-ego, BB:

"Hope's for sissies"

Pretty good article here:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1662190-rafael-nadal-and-novak-djokovic-stories-are-ultimate-french-open-2013-semifinal/page/8

I think all us fans feel the results quite deeply, its irrational but completely true.
I've had to switch off and leave the house sometimes, and a bad loss, e.g AO12, can make you feel down for a couple of days...not full depression obviously but it nags away in the back of your mind.
Lets not even talk about Rosol...

It is the beauty of the tennis scoring system though, it creates tension like no other and remember having these tensions even as a boy watching Borg vs McEnroe (I was a Borg fan).

L Y D I A N how could you.

lydian wrote:I think all us fans feel the results quite deeply, its irrational but completely true.
I've had to switch off and leave the house sometimes, and a bad loss, e.g AO12, can make you feel down for a couple of days...not full depression obviously but it nags away in the back of your mind.
Lets not even talk about Rosol...

It is the beauty of the tennis scoring system though, it creates tension like no other and remember having these tensions even as a boy watching Borg vs McEnroe (I was a Borg fan).

I too was a Borg fan and remember it the same then as now.(But I was still old enough to get high blood pressure Lydian lol)

lydian wrote:I think all us fans feel the results quite deeply, its irrational but completely true.
I've had to switch off and leave the house sometimes, and a bad loss, e.g AO12, can make you feel down for a couple of days...not full depression obviously but it nags away in the back of your mind.
Lets not even talk about Rosol...

It is the beauty of the tennis scoring system though, it creates tension like no other and remember having these tensions even as a boy watching Borg vs McEnroe (I was a Borg fan).

Me too. The great final had me in a right state. That tie break, watched live!!!!!

Sorry Haddie...have to say my fingers started twitching as I got to the final "L" in the name, lol.

Yes BB, Borg put his fans through the mill every year I seem to remember from 76 to 80. He was always getting 2 sets to love down to someone, e.g. Amritraj, Connors or Gerulaitis, then rising like Lazarus. Each year was an emotional rollercoaster. Then THAT tiebreak vs McEnroe...the tension in the house was unbelievable as my mother was a McEnroe fan. I can still remember it and where I was sitting, etc, to this day.

I know most guys on here weren't Sampras fans beforehand but I was (Agassi as well, but lesser so - if they played I wanted Sampras to win). It was just the same watching him struggle vs Corretja at US95, then AO96 (I think) when he'd learnt Gullikson was dying from cancer. But the worst was seeing him lose to Bastl (yes 5 letters just like Rosol!)...that was an absolute shocker at the time. A journeyman even "worse" than Rosol. The Federer loss I could handle ok because he was a touted future #1, you could see it could happen (was still painful though), but Bastl...grrrr...that was when I just shouted at the TV for Sampras to retire on the spot, immediately. Little did I know 8 weeks later he'd lift the US Open trophy. Then retire. Funny old game.

...and funny how as you get older you still get emotionally involved with some players when push comes to shove. I suspect we could run a psychology thread on all this stuff.

Oh, since you wanted the Semi scoreline

here you go

1st Semi
Djoko to win hard fought 4 sets --> 6-4, 7-5, 4-6 ,6-3

Other scores if you are just interested
2nd Semi
Ferrer to win Tsonga in 4 sets --> 6-4,6-7,7-6,6-4

Finals
Ferrer to beat Djoko in 4 sets --> 6-4,6-4.5-7, 6-3

Haddie-nuff wrote:

lydian wrote:I think all us fans feel the results quite deeply, its irrational but completely true.
I've had to switch off and leave the house sometimes, and a bad loss, e.g AO12, can make you feel down for a couple of days...not full depression obviously but it nags away in the back of your mind.
Lets not even talk about Rosol...

It is the beauty of the tennis scoring system though, it creates tension like no other and remember having these tensions even as a boy watching Borg vs McEnroe (I was a Borg fan).

I too was a Borg fan and remember it the same then as now.(But I was still old enough to get high blood pressure Lydian lol)

I watched the match in highlights [I wasn't born that time around to see it live ] and inspite of knowing the result before hand it was still nervous for me as the play was so close, I wasn't even sure whom I was supporting, so for somebody to have seen the match live it would have heart wrecking tension.

socal1976 wrote:

invisiblecoolers wrote:

socal1976 wrote:

Precisely, Novak loves the high ball, Nadal feeds it to him. I don't think this is a good matchup for Nadal, and if Novak is anywhere near his high level Nadal goes down in 3 or 4. I am thinking 4 reasonably close sets with Nadal stealing a set. He just returns Nadal's serve so well, very few routine service games for Nadal against Novak. That being said of course Nadal can win, but I see Novak as nearly a 2 to 1 favorite over Nadal. I am almost more worried about Ferrer and Tsonga in the final, almost.

Ferrer if he makes the final he will come with no pressure and in contrast Novak will come with hell lot of pressure to win the career slam, this pressure might take his toll physically as well as mentally, and David is no mug on clay, all said Novak must cross borders even if its against his bunny.

That is true IC, plus don't count out Tsonga either. If Novak plays Tsonga in the final it will be worse than a Davis Cup match, and for some reason it still seems to hurt Novak when he gets treated poorly from the fans, ie in Madrid against Dimitrov.

Ferrer, can be the perfect foil to a player who is playing too tight. That being said as a Djokovic fan I would prefer Ferrer in the final assuming he can get by Nadal.

To add further Tsonga always had the upper hand in the h2h in the early part of their careers, so Tsonga knows how to beat Djokovic, however Djoko improved in every counts makes it difficult for Tsonga, but the home crowd cheering for you and booing your opponent Tsonga might take the inspiration for a stunning win.

If Rafa - Ferrer finals --> Rafa wins in 3
if Rafa - Tsonga Finals --> Rafa wins in 4

if Djoko - Ferrer finals --> anybody's game in 4 and Djoko starts favorite 70-30 but I am going for Ferrer in 4
if Djoko - Tsonga finals --> its clearly 50-50, but I will go for Tsonga in 4.

lydian wrote:Playing Murray for 5 hours at AO12 on a more punishing didn't seem to affect his 6 hour match against Nadal 36 hours later. Why would a tough but shorter 4 sets win for Novak (you haven't given a specific score BTW) make him any more vulnerable to Ferrer? We saw how Djokovic neutralised and overwhelmed Ferrer at USO12 after the wind calmed down. Plus as mentioned, Ferrer's stamina isn't as great as people think, he tends to tire after 3 sets. He just can't compete with Novak's power or stamina...and don't forget he may himself be affected by a win over Tsonga (if he gets that far, which I don't think he will).

I don't buy the rattled story. Plus it works the other way too in that Nadal played through RG12 with severe knee pain. I don't think Nadal will be any more intimidated playing Djokovic this time than any other time. I really think the pressure is on Djokovic's shoulders to win this time, Nadal has nothing to prove at RG anymore, I think he goes into the match pretty relaxed actually, he's almost the underdog in most people's/commrntator's eyes and Nadal loves nothing more than being the hunter. So we'll see.

Speaking perfectly as a Rafa fan , the best part for me is I am not a fan of either 4 however like them all , so its very easy to see from neutral persepctive, had it been Del Potro or Fed my views could be slightly biased, but even when Tsonga played I know Tsonga gonna win in 3, I even predicted that in the quarter finals thread [however deep in my heart I wanted Federer to fight back and win it in 5]

Not saying your view is wrong, may be Rafa would cross the border in st.sets but I don't think so thats gonna happen, lets wait n see, Djoko in 4, I predicted the score line as well.

In those days IC points were not over immediately either with a quick ace...or rarely so. Instead every point had to be worked out and finessed. Points on grass seemed to last forever. McEnroe would dash in on almost nothing at times then amaze with his sublime volleys into the corners, for which Borg would scamper with lightspeed feet and pull off unbelieveable passing shots - all done with 75sqin racquets with 'no spin' cat gut in them. You just never knew what to expect from one point to the next as you got such all court variety, it was a perfect contrast. Sampras-Agassi was similar I guess, Federer-Nadal less so. Its probably why guys like BB and myself go on about variety so much as we remember when tennis was played in such a skilful, finessed, nail-biting manner that had you marvelling at the audacity of risk taking and counter-punching.

So reading back through this thread I have come to the conclusion that tomorrow will see the vast number of 606v2 members a bunch of nervous wrecks... (may be not so much BB as he has already been through his trauma of the week) but for the rest of us I hope you have your valium, whisky, gin, or whatever your tranquilizers are ... I have a feeling that the final could almost be an anti-climax I hope not for the players concerned however. But to whoever is your chosen one As dear old Dave Allen would have said
"May your God be with you" !!!

Dave Allen, blimey what a character.

Yes it'll be hard viewing tomorrow through the match as I'm sure it will twist and turn but his hardcore tennis fans wouldn't have it any other way right? Its almost like self-flagellation at times.

Speaking of flagellation, Serena has the cat o'nine tails out on Errani at the moment. Ouch....double bagel anyone? That would be ridiculous for a slam semi.

Yes it'll be hard viewing tomorrow through the match as I'm sure it will twist and turn but his hardcore tennis fans wouldn't have it any other way right? Its almost like self-flagellation at times


Now I REALLY AM worried about you lydian...hmmmmm ???? true we all have our reasons for watching tennis but hrmffff!!!

I am trying to remember who wrote just before the final of Wimbledon 2009 something like 'I don't know why I care whether a much decorated, talented young Swiss millionaire wins the championship tomorrow' - and then went on to talk about the quest to surpass Sampras etc. I keep thinking it must have been Simon Barnes because it was so lyrically written, but I can't find.

Anyway the article expressed much of the sentiments above - in an age where we are not embroiled in tribal skirmishes, I guess sport replaces that kind of need for fierce allegiances..........and gets the adrenaline flowing in even the most dedicated couch potato

Fear not Haddie, my tin hat is at the ready!

Hey TP, who are you calling a couch potato cheeky! Lol

I'm belatedly catching up on this thread and I'm immersed by a warm glow that, despite the scraps about eras, head to heads and playing surfaces, we still share the same thrills and traumas as tennis fans.

I was pretty negative about Roland Garros beforehand but it seems to have prompted some very decent stuff on this forum over the last few days.

Roll on tomorrow!

Yeah, good isn't it?

Whatever the weather, Nadal in 4. 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 7-5.

HM Murdoch wrote:Roll on tomorrow!

I'd rather roll on Sharapova

Great thread and certainly agree, whatever the result in the other semi, to me, and no doubt many others, this is the real final!

I'm going to stick with my overall prediction that Djokovic wins the French Open, however, in this match, I think it will still be a laboured victory, just like last year at the Aussie Open, I think this has the makings of a 5 set epic struggle like that was.

Scoreline: 7-5, 7-6, 4-6, 4-6, 7-5.

It could just as easily be Nadal who wins, however, Nadal hasn't had complete ascendency over Djokovic on clay like he did last year, and that, no doubt will help Djokovic to ease his nerves. If his nerves are settled, this will go to 5 sets or less, depending on how pumped up Djokovic gets.

HM Murdoch wrote:I'm belatedly catching up on this thread and I'm immersed by a warm glow that, despite the scraps about eras, head to heads and playing surfaces, we still share the same thrills and traumas as tennis fans.

I was pretty negative about Roland Garros beforehand but it seems to have prompted some very decent stuff on this forum over the last few days.

Roll on tomorrow!

Me too, wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment HM. Great thread, and I think even the relative neutrals among us may be pretty edgy tomorrow if it's tight. With this much on the line, I know I will be! And in empathy for the Novak and Rafa fans on here

Its really nice reading posts from people that act the same way I do. The amount of times I have felt like a weirdo when I have screamed at the top of my lungs watching Federer hit an Ace on break point or pacing up and down my house like a caged tiger in a zoo.

The match against Simon at the Australia Open 2011 almost finished me, I walked out the room when Simon was about to break in the fifth set, couldn't bare it. How Federer got out of that one I will never know. Feds losses to Del Potro, Rafa at Wimbledon and Aus still irk me even know, if i watch highlights I will turn off before the last game, sad I know.

I think the match that gave me the biggest heart attack was Wimbledon 2010 against Falla in the first round. The way Federer even broke back, the point that gave him 15-40 when Falla served for that match...the ball seemed to take an age to drop in even now watching it back I feel like it could go out!

Good luck to all the Rafa and Novak fans for tomorrow, I feel your pain!

Manojchandra wrote:Whatever the weather, Nadal in 4. 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 7-5.

I remember you in 606 as a Federer fan, am I right? if so its good to see somebody cheering the favourite's main rival, do you have that much confidence in Nadal? don't you think all good things do come to an end? the crazy FO streak of Rafa should come to an end some time, so let it be tomorrow