French Open, Men's Semis match thread

[lydian]

First topic message reminder :

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!

[bogbrush]

OH MY GOD another big piece of luck!

[Cogen]

So lucky...

[_homogenised_]

Go away Nadal. Come on Djokovic!

[break_in_the_fifth]

Nadal's still not 100% right?

[barrystar]

Nerveless stuff.

How on earth is one of them going to find it to win 2 games in a row?

It's so superior to a fifth set tie-breaker.

[summerblues]

Nole looks a bit more nervous now.

[_homogenised_]

Nadal's still not 100% right?

If he loses it's because of his knees. If he wins, it's because he is the greatest. I think we can safely say there is 0% wrong with his knees... if there ever was to begin with.

[lags72]

I guess I just meant that his opponents somehow manage to commit their worst errors at the most unexpected moments. But I recognise that a big part of that stems from the pressure that they bring on themselves, and that is forced upon them.

[kingraf]

its time...

[Dave.]

Extra time!

[barrystar]

What a superb hold

[invisiblecoolers]

This is more classic than AO 2012, both players raised their level in the last 2 sets.

[Guest]

I'm following the live scores - stream too slow to watch

Rafa's really banging down the serves. He's been clocked at over 200kph on numerous occasions.

Anyway, who's looking more tired?

[barrystar]

Very solid from Nadal too.

[bogbrush]

I'm following the live scores - stream too slow to watch

Rafa's really banging down the serves. He's been clocked at over 200kph on numerous occasions.

Anyway, who's looking more tired?

It fluctuates, Nadal looking the stronger just at the moment.

[CAS]

Nadal is throwing everything at Djokovic right now

[invisiblecoolers]

It looks akward, the score reads 7-6 to Nadal in 5th yet the match not over

[kingraf]

You just know that somewhere in the world someone thinks Nadal has just taken this 7-6.

[lags72]

emancipator - wouldn't say Novak looks tired. But he sure looks tense.....

[Guest]

Sounds too close to call.

And sounds like another terrific effort from both guys.

[bogbrush]

Jeez, Djokovic has tried hard to throw this away......

[barrystar]

Oh my goodness - what a time to miss an overhead like that.

[Guest]

What's the match time?

Is there any chance they'll put JWT and Ferrer on Lenglen?

[summerblues]

Nole and his overheads.....

[HM Murdock]

That overhead smash is more embarassing than touching the net.

[Cogen]

Good response, Nole... good response...

[barrystar]

Terrific point to follow up the missed overhead.

Right now it looks as though the server has a real advantage.

[CAS]

I think we jinxed the jinx. built it up so much it was a let down, then hopes went down and it becomes a thriller

[summerblues]

Well, he blew three overheads today - and that is not counting the one where he wrapped himself in the net.

[Guest]

How long have they been playing?

[lags72]

Am ready to put my neck on the line, and am now giving the match to Rafa. I had already picked him in four in the poll, so no major change.

[Jahu]

Come on Rafa for fs, end this pain

[bogbrush]

4:33

[_homogenised_]

It's a bit ridiculous really how they can serve so well after this many games... totally ensuring early retirements though.

[Jahu]

4:33 min

[barrystar]

How long have they been playing?

Only 4hrs 30 mins, not that long for 5 sets on clay - the third set went in a whisker

[Guest]

4:33

WTH, is that all?

I was hoping for at least 6.5 hrs by now

[_homogenised_]

4:33

WTH, is that all?

I was hoping for at least 6.5 hrs by now

haha there's still time yet.

[CAS]

will Tsonga and Ferrer have enough light?

[barrystar]

Another rubbish overhead, what a nightmare.

[summerblues]

Oh dear.

[barrystar]

I think this is it now - Nadal sees a chink.

[The Special Juan]

Ah Novak, what have you done?

[barrystar]

A barn door just flew open. This will be a heart-breaking loss.

[summerblues]

Wow.

[_homogenised_]

It's over.. Novak didn't turn up all the way, Nadal got very lucky, and unfortunately that slip at the net decided it.

[The Special Juan]

Nadal. The better player on the day won but I have no idea how!! Awesome.

[bogbrush]

For the first time I feel sorry for Djokovic, he got the rough end of everything n that last set.

[supervisor]

Oh no. We will have another rubbish final on sunday

[CAS]

well done Rafa, but Djokovic was in and out of that much so much

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