French Open, Men's Semis match thread

[lydian]

So...1 hour to go, thought I'd create a specific match thread.

Its clear blue skies over Paris, not a cloud in sight and temp is already 26.5c and rising. Latest pic and temperature:


So the heat is literally on!

12pm GMT we have Nadal vs Djokovic, followed by David vs Goliath.

We've seen the predictions, heard the impersonations and listened to the musical quips, just need the action to start now!

[lydian]

Given the heat, fitness and hydration will be absolutely key today...it'll be a case of who can move the other around the most. Either way, none of the men are going to walk off court feeling fresh as a daisy today. For Nadal and Djokovic, this could be their severest physical test yet given the temperature and surface.

[The Special Juan]

Ah, I was away to mention the weather.

The weather today in Paris in hot hot hot! Humidity is at 38% and there is next to no wind (4mph). There is a 10% chance of rain during the match.

[banbrotam]

We've seen the predictions, heard the impersonations and listened to the musical quips, just need the action to start now!

And for Jim to be commentating

[banbrotam]

Ah, I was away to mention the weather.

The weather today in Paris in hot hot hot! Humidity is at 38% and there is next to no wind (4mph). There is a 10% chance of rain during the match.

Probably favours Rafa? Or if Novak gets his hard hitting going - Rafa could have problems running the ball down

I'm happy for these two to slug it out 8 hrs now and then 5 with Daveed!!

Anything to give us a repeat of last years Wimby final

[lydian]

I'd be surprised if it rained TSJ...but you never know.
Is touted to peak at 28c today which is hot as you say, especially in blazing sun.
Looks a horrible forecast for Sunday though...10c cooler and rain.

[lydian]

Yep banbrotam, in a way it favours both...Nadal with spin, Djokovic with the ball flying on flat shots and serve...hard to say who it favours most really. Lets not forget Novak grew up on clay and hot summers, so he's no stranger to this.

[lydian]

Tsonga is confident ahead of Ferrer:

''Once you back down in a rally, he never lets you free. He fights. He never gives up. He runs a lot. He's extremely fast. He has a lot of endurance. But I feel I'm able to beat him because I believe I have the weapons for that. I hit harder than he does.''

[HM Murdock]

I agree on the weather. The temperature helps Rafa's top spin, the lack of wind helps Novak get into 'metronome mode' and hit down the lines with confidence.

[Haddie-nuff]

Temperature perfect Rafa and David.... its about the same here in Spain so its just what your used to. The sky is blue blue blue with a mere touch of a breeze.

[lydian]

Beautiful day for tennis on clay, as it should be.
Temp. now 27c, max. could be as high as 29!

[Jahu]

Go Nadal goooooo!!!

[Haddie-nuff]

Just off to get my front row seat .. so

See you later with a or a

[banbrotam]

Tsonga is confident ahead of Ferrer:

''Once you back down in a rally, he never lets you free. He fights. He never gives up. He runs a lot. He's extremely fast. He has a lot of endurance. But I feel I'm able to beat him because I believe I have the weapons for that. I hit harder than he does.''

Erm! But what will Jo do when the ball keeps coming back? It's a groundhog day type statement - he argues this every time he meets Murray as well. He needs to be more tactical, the key with Ferrer is actually to run around with him for a bit and then release some bombs, with few errors - suddenly you are then giving him things to worry about as Ferrer then starts realising he won't out grind out him

I'd be pleased if Jo wins though - we need his play in say half of the next 20 slam SF's

[The Special Juan]

I think Jo will last into his early 30s. Isn't it true he started playing top level tennis comparatively late? He might be in the same boat as Didier Drogba who didn't start playing top-flight football until his early twenties (23 or something?)

[kingraf]

TSJ - he started at a relatively normal age, but he had a few injuries coming up, and his first full season was in 2007, if I'm not mistaken.

[kingraf]

From when he turned pro in 2004 until 2006, he only played eight tournaments.

[lydian]

Cheers Haddie...all the best

Rafa may surprise us all yet and play into his 30s...if he schedule manages better.

[The Special Juan]

From when he turned pro in 2004 until 2006, he only played eight tournaments.

Cheers. Less miles on the clock then? He could be Tommy Haas v2.

[lydian]

Perhaps...but did you see Haas' physique? Wow...that was amazing for a guy of 35 to get ripped like that. If you want to be good at 32-33...you have to be in tip-top shape. No short cuts these days.

[The Special Juan]

I haven't seen his physique but it wouldn't surprise me. The man is just a walking mystery; I wouldn't be surprised if he was lying about his age!!

[bogbrush]

Very hot and a bit windy. Perfect for Nadal.

[summerblues]

Let's do it, Nole.

[The Special Juan]

Upon seeing the sky, I have no idea where the "10% chance of rain" came from. I need a new weather site.

[summerblues]

Dry, hot, a bit windy. Conditions meant to favor Rafa, doubt it will be enough for him to win.

[Jahu]

5 points in a row for Djoko. Wake up Rafaaa

[The Special Juan]

How many hours will this last? I've got stuff to do tomorrow. Nadal's first serve is looking much improved from the start of the tournament (timely ace there).

[Jahu]

4h at least, meaning it could get dark for Tsonga.

[LuvSports!]

Idemo Nole!

[Jahu]

Nadal barely won his first service. Come on man.

[The Special Juan]

This is a match already, although it's incredibly ironic when Nadal fans moan about Murray v Djokovic being a slugfest

[bogbrush]

Rafa already covering a huge amount of ground.

[ChequeredJersey]

To be honest, if Rafa wins it will largely be out of pure stubbornness

[LuvSports!]

Why is the timerule not being enforced?!?! Over 40 seconds for one already

[Jahu]

Rafa just average so far. Djoko seems more fresh.

[ChequeredJersey]

Why is the timerule not being enforced?!?! Over 40 seconds for one already

Nadal at RG. The King makes his own rules?

[bogbrush]

Looks like a steady wind blowing towards the camera end.

[ChequeredJersey]

Rafa is really going for it

[kingraf]

If Djokovic wins two more games in this set, my prediction is ruined!!!

[The Special Juan]

Moonball!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jahu]

Rafa finally awake

[ChequeredJersey]

Rafa knows he has to attack

[ChequeredJersey]

Moonball!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Some shots that's all you can do

[bogbrush]

How can people applaud a moonball like that at advantage Djokovic. It must have been 25 ft over the net!

[_homogenised_]

Nadal has 1 plan. 1 game. He is so 1 dimensional it is untrue. And when he is playing Novak, all we get is a baseline slug. Some of the shots and retrievals are great. yes. But there is no variety. It is like comparing checkers to chess.

[kingraf]

We could be here for a while...

[summerblues]

Odd to see so many empty seats for a match like this. I suppose being scheduled as the first semi does it, even for these two.

[ChequeredJersey]

Nice dropshot

[ChequeredJersey]

Novak should probably start getting his first serve in

[ChequeredJersey]

Now THAT was a moonball

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