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

I also went for Nadal in 5 earlier on today. I'll be honest though, there's no way you could convince me to put anything on this! With bragging rights at stake, though...

6-4, 6-7(6), 5-7, 6-2, 7-5.

Thanks for this, bogbrush. It'll be interesting to see how close we all are.

Thanks, I'm delighted with the turnout so far on the score picking. Hopefully we can entice socal in overnight. Haddie hadn't chosen yet, I'd hope she could join us, we'd have most of the usual suspects on board. There's plenty more though - Ryan, CJB, Cogen, the list goes on. Apologies to those not listed.

It's interesting that early on there was a flood of votes for Djokovic, but as at 19 votes in its 10-9 for Djokovic. Probably reflects the match itself! Thank God for tie breaks otherwise emancipator's prediction of a draw because they want to start Wimbledon would have even more merit.

Novak 7-5, 6-4, 6-1, 6-4

bogbrush wrote:Thank God for tie breaks otherwise emancipator's prediction of a draw because they want to start Wimbledon would have even more merit.

No! Let them play on.

Then the forgotten two of the top 4, can have their third consecutive Wimby final

banbrotam wrote:Novak 7-5, 6-4, 6-1, 6-4

Where is Nadal's set?

banbrotam wrote:Novak 7-5, 6-4, 6-1, 6-4

Please God don't let them make it best of 7.

Djokovic in 4:

6/3 7/5 4/6 6/2

Djokovic in 4 sets:

6-2,6-4,6-7,6-3

Before today I would have had Djokovic to win because Nadal hasn't been looking invincible, but from the little I glimpsed of both matches today, I thought he looked as if his movement had improved 100% (ok - slight exaggeration!)

So it's Nadal for me in 4: 3-6, 7-6, 7-5, 6-4

Would Novak winning the French lessen the achievement of the career slam? 3 guys from the same era all accomplishing it. We all know the courts are different now, thats why part of me wants Rafa to win to keep the achievement of winning all four special.

Its an odd situation, similar to last year for me. I prefer Novak to Rafa but not sure if I want him to win the French and maybe take away a little from the achievement that only a select few had just 4 years ago.

With Due respect to 7 time FO champion, 6 time GS champion and GOAT conquerer the slam will be won by the Duracell Bunny Mr.Tennis David Ferrer.

David Ferrer to beat Novak Djokovic in the finals, this will be the scoreline

6-4,6-4.5-7, 6-3 .

Novak will down Rafa in 4 hard sets.
Ferrer will down Tsonga in 4 hard sets.

I believe hardwork pays and unlike you guys I won't be surprised if David gets paid big time come sunday.

Wait for my article "Time to Call Big 5" part II around Sunday.

CAS wrote:Would Novak winning the French lessen the achievement of the career slam? 3 guys from the same era all accomplishing it. We all know the courts are different now, thats why part of me wants Rafa to win to keep the achievement of winning all four special.

Its an odd situation, similar to last year for me. I prefer Novak to Rafa but not sure if I want him to win the French and maybe take away a little from the achievement that only a select few had just 4 years ago.

Same sentiments and I am rooting for David Ferrer.

Here we are, the big match, two gladiators. We may be finding the answer to the age old question: what will happen if an immovable object meets another immovable object?

For me it is Nole in 3 or 4 but even if it goes five, I still think it will be Nole. I do not see a good way for Rafa to win. Was tempted to go with three, but I cannot quite bring myself to predict a straight sets loss for Rafa. Being the champion that he is, I think he will find a way to prevent that.

Nole: 6:4, 6:3, 5:7, 6:3

Nadal wins 3-6 6-4 6-4 7-6(5)

_homogenised_ wrote:

Haddie-nuff wrote:

_homogenised_ wrote:

mthierry wrote:

_homogenised_ wrote:Djokovic in 4. Nadal doesn't have a prayer if he turns up on form. I would not write off tsonga though. No way.

You think a 7-time RG champion doesn't have a prayer if his opponent "turns up"? That's overstating things a little, don't you think?

If the best of djokovic turns up, Nadal won't win. Nadal is not like he used to be, and Djokovic is a better player now at his best.

I cant make up my mind whether you are being just plain optimistic or wishful thinking !!!
Dont kid yourself that Novak is at his best or have you not been watching the same matches as me.

I saw him beat Nadal 7 times in a row in finals, and take away Nadal's unbeaten run on Clay at Monte Carlo. If I was a Nadal fan, I'd be worrying. Nadal has no B game, and he has no weapon to hurt Djokovic with.

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.

I agree, Novak's return is just something else. He is the only player I have ever seen who changes Nadal's body language. When Federer beat Rafa, Nadal always seemed somewhat okay with it as he seemed to think 'if he plays his best theres nothing I can do, but I know he wont always be able to do that'

Against Novak its different, Djokovic beats him differently, its not lights out tennis. He just plays a sustained high level, he doesn't need to play this awesome match to beat him because what Nadal does so well doesn't really bother Novak. That backhand of the Serbs when he does the splits and directs it into the open court after Nadal has run around his backhand is the clincher for me.

Tsonga at his absolute best is the only player left in the draw who can take the racket out of Novaks hands, its just that he may not be able to get past Ferrer!

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.

There's no way Ferrer beats Novak over 5 sets. Djokovic will simply overwhelm him and take his legs out after 2 sets. Like Rafa does. Ferrer is Rafa-lite (lol, I don't mean he's part of the holy trinity of renaissance painters...nor is he part of the current multislam tennis holy trinity) and can't hurt Djokovic enough to win 3 sets.

People seem to have a short memory on here about 2012 RG. But for that prolonged playing in the wet segment Nadal would have won in straights. Was Nadal merely lucky last year? What is different, or rather what is the evidence Novak is a better player than last year to change the result? I don't see it.

However, I do see variability in Nadal. The big unknown is which Nadal turns up on Friday. If its the RG12 version then I'm going 3 close straight sets score to Nadal, as given above. If its the RG13 1st week, or out of sorts/hitting the ball short Nadal then yes its likely 4 sets to Djokovic.

CAS, I understand where you come from. The challenge that eluded all the greats in Open Era could suddenly be met by 3 players in the space of almost as many years. This is why many of us hark for greater surface variety to somewhat restore that ultimate challenge to its former difficulty.

lydian wrote:There's no way Ferrer beats Novak over 5 sets. Djokovic will simply overwhelm him and take his legs out after 2 sets. Ferrer can't hurt Djokovic.

People seem to have a short memory on here about 2012 RG. But for that prolonged playing in the wet segment Nadal would have won in straights. Was Nadal merely lucky last year? What is different, or rather what is the evidence Novak is a better player than last year to change the result? I don't see it.

However, I do see variability in Nadal. The big unknown is which Nadal turns up on Friday. If its the RG12 version then I'm going 3 close straight sets score to Nadal, as given above. If its the RG13 1st week, or out of sorts/hitting the ball short Nadal then yes its likely 4 sets to Djokovic.

CAS, I understand where you come from. The challenge that eluded all the greats in Open Era could suddenly be met by 3 players in the space of almost as many years. This is why many of hark for greater surface variety to somewhat restore that ultimate challenge.

Good questions,

1]Novak was clearly rattled last year and could do nothing right after the AO series got over, so it was kinda easy for Rafa to beat Novak, now Rafa himself concedes he is nervous of the semi encounter, people get intimidated of Rafa before the match and here Rafa is intimidated.

2]Ferrer can beat Nole if a very tired Nole turns up, and to add to the struggle Nole might be too tensed of career slam that will add a lot of pressure on him and if Ferrer can take advantage of that nervous energy who know what will happen.

3]When it comes to fitness both will start equal terms, so if Ferrer can finish Tsonga much quicker than Nole against Rafa then there is always a possibility.

4]Hardwork do get paid, Ferrer will get his due, and I see all stars aligning for him

CAS wrote:I agree, Novak's return is just something else. He is the only player I have ever seen who changes Nadal's body language. When Federer beat Rafa, Nadal always seemed somewhat okay with it as he seemed to think 'if he plays his best theres nothing I can do, but I know he wont always be able to do that'

Against Novak its different, Djokovic beats him differently, its not lights out tennis. He just plays a sustained high level, he doesn't need to play this awesome match to beat him because what Nadal does so well doesn't really bother Novak. That backhand of the Serbs when he does the splits and directs it into the open court after Nadal has run around his backhand is the clincher for me.

Tsonga at his absolute best is the only player left in the draw who can take the racket out of Novaks hands, its just that he may not be able to get past Ferrer!

That is the thing CAS, Novak doesn't need to be out of his mind good to beat Nadal, he doesn't need to redline his game. The standard patterns of play are to his advantage. That being said, Nadal is a great champion, if Novak makes too many mistakes Nadal will take it from him. But I think Novak has the beating of Nadal in this tournament, precisely because what Nadal does well feeds into Novak's strengths. Nadal hits a heavy ball, Novak prefer's the heavy ball to the sliced ball or the flat ball. The standard patterns of play favor Novak, now that doesn't mean that Nadal is facing an insurmountable barrier, but I honestly think he has to play above his standard level and hope that Novak doesn't meet him there and is a bit scratchy.

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.

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.

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.

Ferrer will fold in the final like a cheap deck of cards.

Just doesn't have the balls to challenge the big boys. I know that may sound strange to some especially as many consider him to be mentally resilient. I don't. I think he's always been mentally flaky against the top guys - ie when he knows his grinding game isn't sufficient to get the win. If the finishing line ever gets in sight he'll start hitting double faults, dumping the ball into the net and spraying balls wide.

Tsonga is a bigger threat particularly, as Socal says, with the French crowd inspiring him. He also has the ability to take the match away from his opponent. Ferrer doesn't really have that.

And not to forget Tsonga can play a little on clay these days, he got to MC SF this year and as we know held MP vs Djokovic at RG12. If Tsonga brings his improved A game on Friday and Sunday he's huge threat for the title period.

Well I personally believe that Daveed has more than a fair chance of beating JWT
he is ahead on H2H and he is essentially a clay court player. Daveed wants this so bad he can taste it and though JWT is playing to a home crowd I do not think that will deter David he is one of the most "together" and focussed players on tour.
If Jo plays the same controlled game he played against Roger he has every chance of winning... but its a big arena and much is at stake.. JWT can become very flakey as he did against Novak last year. Im not making any predictions. But David could slay the giant.

It's an interesting situation, where I think Djoko is favourite to beat Rafa, but Rafa would be more of a favourite in the final should he get there.

Equally, I think Ferrer is slight favourite to beat JWT, but only JWT would have a chance in the final.

Djoko-JWT would certainly make the most interesting final IMO. If it's Rafa vs Ferrer, they may as well not bother playing and hand it to Rafa.

JuliusHMarx wrote:It's an interesting situation, where I think Djoko is favourite to beat Rafa, but Rafa would be more of a favourite in the final should he get there.

Equally, I think Ferrer is slight favourite to beat JWT, but only JWT would have a chance in the final.

Djoko-JWT would certainly make the most interesting final IMO. If it's Rafa vs Ferrer, they may as well not bother playing and hand it to Rafa.

I wouldnt be too sure about that JM.. the situation with Daveed playing Rafa in the past has only ever been over three sets... we have said this on numerous occasions on this forum.. a GS is a different ball game and though Rafa has done it numerous times this is something Daveed has never achieved. I think he knows this his one and only chance.. I am never surprised to witness his indominitable spirit. Ill wait to hear the fat lady sing. If Daveed makes it to the final he will not roll over for anyone unless he is injured.

JuliusHMarx wrote:It's an interesting situation, where I think Djoko is favourite to beat Rafa, but Rafa would be more of a favourite in the final should he get there.

Equally, I think Ferrer is slight favourite to beat JWT, but only JWT would have a chance in the final.

Djoko-JWT would certainly make the most interesting final IMO. If it's Rafa vs Ferrer, they may as well not bother playing and hand it to Rafa.

Ye, love how tennis is a game of match-ups.

Haddie-nuff wrote:

JuliusHMarx wrote:It's an interesting situation, where I think Djoko is favourite to beat Rafa, but Rafa would be more of a favourite in the final should he get there.

Equally, I think Ferrer is slight favourite to beat JWT, but only JWT would have a chance in the final.

Djoko-JWT would certainly make the most interesting final IMO. If it's Rafa vs Ferrer, they may as well not bother playing and hand it to Rafa.

I wouldnt be too sure about that JM.. the situation with Daveed playing Rafa in the past has only ever been over three sets... we have said this on numerous occasions on this forum.. a GS is a different ball game and though Rafa has done it numerous times this is something Daveed has never achieved. I think he knows this his one and only chance.. I am never surprised to witness his indominitable spirit. Ill wait to hear the fat lady sing. If Daveed makes it to the final he will not roll over for anyone unless he is injured.

I'm more in agreement with emancipator on this - when Daveed plays Rafa his spirit is extremely 'domitable'.

JuliusHMarx wrote:It's an interesting situation, where I think Djoko is favourite to beat Rafa, but Rafa would be more of a favourite in the final should he get there.

Equally, I think Ferrer is slight favourite to beat JWT, but only JWT would have a chance in the final.

Djoko-JWT would certainly make the most interesting final IMO. If it's Rafa vs Ferrer, they may as well not bother playing and hand it to Rafa.

I agree whole-heartedly.

Ferrer has far too many severe battle scars from thrashings against Nadal and Djokovic and lacks the weapons to hurt the top players. Tsonga has those weapons and far less mental battle scars at this stage of tournies however I cannot see him over-coming Ferrer who does very well against lower ranked players.

All the pressures on Djokovic for me.

Nadal's legacy is already secure.

7 French Open titles, the best clay court player ever etc.

Djokovic badly wants the French Open, wants to beat Nadal in Paris etc.

I'm going for a 4 set match.

Winner? No idea.

I don't see the fact David knows this is his one and only chance to make a slam final as a positive for him. He has a reputation for getting nervous on the big occasion and I suspect he will struggle to play his best even in the SF. I therefore give Tsonga the narrow edge.

I tend to agree for a few reasons:
- David hasnt got to a slam final before despite being #5 for years - why is this if he's so dogged?
- He's not good in big moments - he hits long, into the net and DFs
- He's not good at handling set-backs - just look at his collapse to Rafa in Madrid after that 2nd set
- JWT is much mentally stronger than before, has beaten a big name this RG and has got to a slam final before
- Parisians don't fawn over Spaniards - they'll be on Ferrer's back, they've not had a French finalist for 25 years!
- The weather will also be dry and hot - JWTs huge serves and groundstrokes will really fly

I picked Djokovic to win in 3 sets because of 3 reasons:

I don't believe Nadal is fully fit yet.

I don't think Nadal has played anything near his top level yet.

Novak has delivered some thrashings to Nadal on clay over the past 2 years. Seeing as Novak is a better hard court player than Nadal these days (even Nadal fans must admit that), clay was meant to be Nadal's last stronghold against Djokovic, but in 2011 Novak beat him twice on clay in straight sets (injury free, I might add) and although order was somewhat restored last year, I think the two players are on a different level at the moment. Maybe I'll be proven incredibly wrong tomorrow though

Rafa in 4, and he better win over Djoko or else...

Well I seem to be on my own re Daveed but I will stick with it nonetheless.

lol Haddie. I respect the guy's effort, professionalism, doggedness, etc...he's a real role model for kids to follow...but I just cant see him overcoming JWT and the crowd tomorrow. I don't mind to be proved wrong though. However, from a neutrals perspective I do think JWT will give a stronger fight in the final vs Rafa or Novak.

I see the schedule is confirmed that Novak and Rafa are on 1st tomorrow so will play through the heat/sun of the day. Predicting t/storms this afternoon though.

Oh - BTW, it's Borg's birthday today! 57 years old...

I went for Ferrer but I think both semis are close to 50/50. Should be really interesting.

Nadal - Djokovic maybe having the billing of match of the season? (at least so far)

As a trivia fact, a Nadal tournament win would tie him for most FOs with Max Decugis, who won 8 titles in the era when it was a tournament for French players only.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Decugis

bogbrush wrote:Thanks, I'm delighted with the turnout so far on the score picking. Hopefully we can entice socal in overnight. Haddie hadn't chosen yet, I'd hope she could join us, we'd have most of the usual suspects on board. There's plenty more though - Ryan, CJB, Cogen, the list goes on. Apologies to those not listed.

It's interesting that early on there was a flood of votes for Djokovic, but as at 19 votes in its 10-9 for Djokovic. Probably reflects the match itself! Thank God for tie breaks otherwise emancipator's prediction of a draw because they want to start Wimbledon would have even more merit.

Yes I have BB I said Rafa in 5

lydian wrote:lol Haddie. I respect the guy's effort, professionalism, doggedness, etc...he's a real role model for kids to follow...but I just cant see him overcoming JWT and the crowd tomorrow. I don't mind to be proved wrong though. However, from a neutrals perspective I do think JWT will give a stronger fight in the final vs Rafa or Novak.

I see the schedule is confirmed that Novak and Rafa are on 1st tomorrow so will play through the heat/sun of the day. Predicting t/storms this afternoon though.

Oh - BTW, it's Borg's birthday today! 57 years old...

Happy Birthday Bjorn

I think the best final in terms of variety of play and closer match would be Djokovic-Tsonga. I wouldn't put time aside on a Sunday afternoon to watch Nadal-Ferrer, but that seem the most likely combo to me.

My pick is Nadal 6-3 5-7 6-4 6-3.

Haddie-nuff wrote:Yes I have BB I said Rafa in 5

Seems to be full score prediction BB is looking for.

bogbrush wrote: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
Exact 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 AND MEEEEEEEEEEE

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. Score to be corrected on thread
Born Slippy. 6-3, 7-5, 4-6, 6-2
socal. 6-2, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3

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

Haddie 7-5 3-6 6-4 4-6- 7-5

Daveed - to beat Tsonga for his first Slam Final.
Tsonga - to repeat what Noah did 30 years ago for the French.
Djokovic - for a career GS to beat Nadal only the second time @RG.
Nadal - to equal Decugis (and become the player with most wins at RG 57-1 at RG so far. Federer is 58-13 now including 2013).

History is being made. Be a part of it.

lydian wrote:
Oh - BTW, it's Borg's birthday today! 57 years old... Bubbly

Isn't that one of those strange numerical similarities (with Rafa - June birthdays, 30 years apart) that Sampras and Federer share (August birthdays and their first Wimbledon crowns 10 years apart) Almost like it was all foretold or written in the stars!

YvonneT wrote:I think the best final in terms of variety of play and closer match would be Djokovic-Tsonga. I wouldn't put time aside on a Sunday afternoon to watch Nadal-Ferrer, but that seem the most likely combo to me.

It's the only final I think I would bother to watch because the only other possible combinations will just be too one-sided I feel, and I've seen that movie umpteen times now - I would feel differently if there was the odd year apart from 2009 when we had a different winner before normal service is resumed;)

Whatever the scores are the vote is split 50-50. so far which is not surprising

Yes TP...I struck me as odd particularly with Sampras > Federer > Dimitrov.

On the face of it 3 extremely talented SHBH players who's birthdays are weirdly 10 years apart.
Sampras - August 12, 1971
Federer - August 8, 1981
Dimitrov - May 16, 1991

Then it gets weirder.

Sampras first won Wimbledon in 1993
Federer first won Wimbledon in 2003
Dimitrov to win his first Wimby in 2013???

Surely not.

lydian wrote:Dimitrov to win his first Wimby in 2013???

Surely not.

Definitely not.

time please wrote:

lydian wrote:
Oh - BTW, it's Borg's birthday today! 57 years old... Bubbly

Isn't that one of those strange numerical similarities (with Rafa - June birthdays, 30 years apart) that Sampras and Federer share (August birthdays and their first Wimbledon crowns 10 years apart) Almost like it was all foretold or written in the stars!

YvonneT wrote:I think the best final in terms of variety of play and closer match would be Djokovic-Tsonga. I wouldn't put time aside on a Sunday afternoon to watch Nadal-Ferrer, but that seem the most likely combo to me.

It's the only final I think I would bother to watch because the only other possible combinations will just be too one-sided I feel, and I've seen that movie umpteen times now - I would feel differently if there was the odd year apart from 2009 when we had a different winner before normal service is resumed;)

TP... Delighted to see you back here. Hope you are doing well.