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!

[summerblues]

Ill be honest I think Rafa is fair on court and often stops the umpire checking a line call and rubs it out himself if he thinks its an incorrect call...

That is a bit different though. It is nice, but well within reason. Nole does go out of his way on occasion.

Last year Nole played a shot that was incorrectly called out. The umpire ordered the point replayed but Nole gave it to Rafa on the grounds that Rafa's next shot (which Rafa had played in spite of the linesperson's call) should have been a winner. That is rare to see.

[_homogenised_]

Oh dear. Ferrer looking like he is through. Just got to hope Nadal's legs are v tired... Prob gonna be a very crap final now. What is tsonga playing at? he's better than this!

[summerblues]

Its highly unfortunate for Djokovic, but Nadal has no business giving points that he lost of his own accord.

I agree with all that. Just do not think that if Rafa had - in spite of it - given the point away, he (Rafa) would not deserve to win a slam.

[kingraf]

So we discussing the greater sportsman? I wont partake because
1) As long as they arent rule-breaking I dont care if a player doesnt go out of his way fot anything.
&
2) Djokovic gets this by a mile, he is a really nice guy on court. The ultimate sportsman.

[laverfan]

Nadal.

Djokovic.

Come on Daveeeed. First slam final is close.

[kingraf]

Ferrer going to blown off court by Nadal like those random packets of chips during Hurricane watch at the USO.

[laverfan]

Ferrer going to blown off court by Nadal like those random packets of chips during Hurricane watch at the USO.

Was he not two points away from beating the GCOAT recently?

[bogbrush]

Completely pointless having Ferrer in the final.

Nice guy but no weapons.

[kingraf]

Yeah, then he got blown off court.

[whocares]

No chance in hell for Tsonga to come back. He has an issue with his BH. Very stiff, upper body not rotating properly. Must be very tense. He's not in the game. 51 UEs says it all.

[summerblues]

Well done David!

[summerblues]

Just realized, David is yet to lose a set this RG. Can he keep it up for one more match?

[ChequeredJersey]

Just realized, David is yet to lose a set this RG. Can he keep it up for one more match?

I will eat an item of clothing if Daveed beats Rafa in straight sets!

[kingraf]

I'll record you eating an item of clothing if Ferrer beats Nadal in straights.

[ChequeredJersey]

Congrats Daveed, well deserved Final at last

[socal1976]

Ferrer has no chance for sure.

[Henman Bill]

What an achievement for Ferrer to reach the final without losing a set!

[summerblues]

Starting with AO12, Ferrer is now on a 28 match unbeaten streak in grand slam matches against non-top-4 opponents.

However, during that period, he is 1:5 against top 4 opponents. The only win came in last year's RG against Andy. In the remaining five matches, he only won a total of two sets.

[summerblues]

What an achievement for Ferrer to reach the final without losing a set!

But surely it will be an even greater achievement if he wins the whole thing without ever dropping a set

[ChequeredJersey]

What an achievement for Ferrer to reach the final without losing a set!

But surely it will be an even greater achievement if he wins the whole thing without ever dropping a set

Yep, but his opponent has done that. Twice

[Henman Bill]

Well each set he gets off Rafa is probably as much as an achievement of his entire semi final win!

[summerblues]

Yep, but his opponent has done that. Twice

But his opponent is a greater player. Plus he never beat Rafa in straights.

[Henman Bill]

Which years did Rafa win it without dropping a set?

[summerblues]

I thought '08 and '10? Or am I wrong?

[Henman Bill]

I wonder if there is a definitive list of players that won a slam final without losing a set. I'll do a 5-minute google and then defer to Laverfan is that fails.

[Henman Bill]

I wonder if this is the most sets Rafa ever dropped at the FO. 4?

Another one would be the MOST sets lost and still won a slam. Theoretical maximum is 14, but reality is probably nearer about 8-10.

[summerblues]

Yes, '08 and '10 it is. I do not know about a definitive list but seem to remember that when Rafa did it in '08, it was the first time it was done since Borg (?)

[ChequeredJersey]

It was '08 and '10. In '08 he dropped 41 games and baked himself 3 bagels

[summerblues]

Yes, '08 was quite impressive. I think Borg had some similar ones too - perhaps even more dominant.

[ChequeredJersey]

1978, wiki says, Borg won without dropping a set with 6 bagels and losing 32 games!

[Josiah Maiestas]

First of all well done to Pascal Maria for ably assisting Nadal over the line today, kudos to you Mr Umpire. In seriousness, he was the better player in 1st, 3rd, and edged the 4th in terms of quality, albeit he let that set slip out of his hands. Nadal was very aggressive when he had to be today, not often I will say that but he did play like a champion. The rallies were going his way but he also served very well and shortened points more than he normally can against Nole, partially helped by Nole's poor returning.

On to the defeated player... I have never seen such awful attempts at overhead smash as I did today from him. Whether the sun is his eyes or not it was a display in muggery of the highest order. The scoreline made Novak look better than he was, Rafa clearly not as good as he was in 08 and 09 Novak has the opportunity to pounce and failed. The Monte Carlo final was clearly a blip from Nadal and not his highest level.

[Henman Bill]

Don Budge (1938 Australian Championships)
Don Budge (1938 Wimbledon)
John Bromwich (1939 Australian Championships)
Tony Trabert (1955 Wimbledon)
Chuck McKinley (1963 Wimbledon)
Roy Emerson (1964 Australian Championships)
Ken Rosewall (1971 Australian Open)
Ilie Năstase (1973 French Open)
Björn Borg (1976 Wimbledon)
Björn Borg (1978 French Open)
Björn Borg (1980 French Open)
Roger Federer (2007 Australian Open)
Rafael Nadal (2008 French Open)
Rafael Nadal (2010 French Open)

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100909091235AAHy6eq

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Grand_Slam_related_tennis_records#Men_2 has the same thing, but adds one more, Neale Fraser in the 60 US national, obviously a grey area whether that counts as a slam.

[invisiblecoolers]

1978, wiki says, Borg won without dropping a set with 6 bagels and losing 32 games!

Oh my good ness

[Henman Bill]

In all seriousness, does everyone agree the umpire made the correct decision on the net touch, according to the laws of the game. Or is there some dispute.

[Henman Bill]

When Federer did it everyone would have been quoting "on yeah, first in 27 years!".

When Rafa did it everyone must have been like, "yeah, Rog did it last year."

Then Rafa ups the ante by doing it twice.!

[summerblues]

In all seriousness, does everyone agree the umpire made the correct decision on the net touch, according to the laws of the game. Or is there some dispute.

Yes, obviously the right decision.

[Henman Bill]

Bjorn Borg was born in June 56, he won his last and 6th FO in 1981 (turning 25 around that month). He then retired.

Rafa Nadal was born in June 86, he won his 6th FO in 2011 (turning 25 around that month). He then won his 7th in 2012 and possibly 8th in 2013.

So is Rafa the greatest clay courter of all time because Borg retired? Borg could have at least won a couple more FOs?

[ChequeredJersey]

Bjorn Borg was born in June 56, he won his last and 6th FO in 1981 (turning 25 around that month). He then retired.

Rafa Nadal was born in June 86, he won his 6th FO in 2011 (turning 25 around that month). He then won his 7th in 2012 and possibly 8th in 2013.

So is Rafa the greatest clay courter of all time because Borg retired? Borg could have at least won a couple more FOs?

I think the argument of Rafa vs Borg will go on for eternity

[HM Murdock]

In all seriousness, does everyone agree the umpire made the correct decision on the net touch, according to the laws of the game. Or is there some dispute.

No dispute whatsoever. 100% the correct call.

The service time however, was joke.

[Haddie-nuff]

In all seriousness, does everyone agree the umpire made the correct decision on the net touch, according to the laws of the game. Or is there some dispute.

Absolutely .. I would have said as much if it had been the other way round.. rules is rules

[slashermcguirk]

Credit to nadal on his win today, he is just incredible at the French open. So much credit has to go to djokovic on showing so much fight. The guy just never gives up! Already has done more against nadal on clay than federer ever managed in his career which says a lot. When 4-2 up in 5th set, I thought Novak would go on to win but it wasn't to be. Am sure he will take a lot from bringing nadal to the brink over 5 sets on his favourite surface, it will give him even greater drive to succeed at Rolland garros and I still think he will do it.

Well done to ferrer too, I knew he would beat tsonga! Was confused as to why so many thought tsonga would win and in 3-4 sets. Ferrer is far more accomplished on clay and is so much more solid. Shame for tsonga but ferrer deserves a slam final appearance. Also as much as nadal is likely to win, at least ferrer like most others has taken nadal to decider sets on clay. He deserves a lot more respect than what he gets on here and from the media. Not a glamorous player but I for one have so much respect for ferrer. People forget he beat Murray at French open last year and almost took Murray to 5 sets in semis in Australia couple of years back.

Nadal will win but hope ferrer can put up a fight. Next time for Novak!!

[_homogenised_]

Bjorn Borg was born in June 56, he won his last and 6th FO in 1981 (turning 25 around that month). He then retired.

Rafa Nadal was born in June 86, he won his 6th FO in 2011 (turning 25 around that month). He then won his 7th in 2012 and possibly 8th in 2013.

So is Rafa the greatest clay courter of all time because Borg retired? Borg could have at least won a couple more FOs?

I think the argument of Rafa vs Borg will go on for eternity

Borg won his titles in a completely different era... the technology today makes baseline ultra retrieval far easier now. Watch Nadal v Borg with the older racquets.... Nadal would have his arse handed to him. Nadal is the king of modern defence and clay of this era... not of all eras.

[kingraf]

Nothing to do with remarkable stamina, or ridiculous defense, or anything, huh? Didnt see anyone else hitting banana passing shots today.

[ChequeredJersey]

Bjorn Borg was born in June 56, he won his last and 6th FO in 1981 (turning 25 around that month). He then retired.

Rafa Nadal was born in June 86, he won his 6th FO in 2011 (turning 25 around that month). He then won his 7th in 2012 and possibly 8th in 2013.

So is Rafa the greatest clay courter of all time because Borg retired? Borg could have at least won a couple more FOs?

I think the argument of Rafa vs Borg will go on for eternity

Borg won his titles in a completely different era... the technology today makes baseline ultra retrieval far easier now. Watch Nadal v Borg with the older racquets.... Nadal would have his arse handed to him. Nadal is the king of modern defence and clay of this era... not of all eras.

Think this backs up what I said

[socal1976]

Credit to nadal on his win today, he is just incredible at the French open. So much credit has to go to djokovic on showing so much fight. The guy just never gives up! Already has done more against nadal on clay than federer ever managed in his career which says a lot. When 4-2 up in 5th set, I thought Novak would go on to win but it wasn't to be. Am sure he will take a lot from bringing nadal to the brink over 5 sets on his favourite surface, it will give him even greater drive to succeed at Rolland garros and I still think he will do it.

Well done to ferrer too, I knew he would beat tsonga! Was confused as to why so many thought tsonga would win and in 3-4 sets. Ferrer is far more accomplished on clay and is so much more solid. Shame for tsonga but ferrer deserves a slam final appearance. Also as much as nadal is likely to win, at least ferrer like most others has taken nadal to decider sets on clay. He deserves a lot more respect than what he gets on here and from the media. Not a glamorous player but I for one have so much respect for ferrer. People forget he beat Murray at French open last year and almost took Murray to 5 sets in semis in Australia couple of years back.

Nadal will win but hope ferrer can put up a fight. Next time for Novak!!

Novak is getting closer to pulling off the ultimate trick of beating Nadal at RG. He did show a lot of fight coming back not once but twice from deficits in the match. But personally, I can't take anything really positive from this match.

[Haddie-nuff]

Bjorn Borg was born in June 56, he won his last and 6th FO in 1981 (turning 25 around that month). He then retired.

Rafa Nadal was born in June 86, he won his 6th FO in 2011 (turning 25 around that month). He then won his 7th in 2012 and possibly 8th in 2013.

So is Rafa the greatest clay courter of all time because Borg retired? Borg could have at least won a couple more FOs?

I think the argument of Rafa vs Borg will go on for eternity

Borg won his titles in a completely different era... the technology today makes baseline ultra retrieval far easier now. Watch Nadal v Borg with the older racquets.... Nadal would have his arse handed to him. Nadal is the king of modern defence and clay of this era... not of all eras.

Did you ever have the priviledge of actually watching Borg.. ?? I was and am a fan of both and I can tell you that Borg was undoubtedly the best of his era.. He has been the first to praise the skill and accomplishments of Nadal and there is no way he would have handed Rafa´s arse to him on clay let me assure you. There are parallells that can be drawn between both these players but you cannot compare different eras it is impossible. That topic has been done to death on this forum.

[_homogenised_]

No, but I have youtube nadal would certainly not cope easy with the old racquets and conditions... and it would be far worse for him off clay too. Borg's achievements of making 6 French and 5 Wimbledon's in that era, for me, is the greatest single achievement in tennis. And I say that as a big Federer fan.

[Haddie-nuff]

And doubtles Borg would not cope easily with todays rackets, and conditions either.
I wasnt talking about Wimbledon, I was talking about clay Borg himself has said as much of Rafa. I say that as a Bjorn Borg fan. who followed him closely during his career.

[CaledonianCraig]

I never saw the semis today but did tip Djoko to win in five.

I apologise to Rafa as I underestimated his legendary prowess on clay. Seemingly, he found a way (somehow) to pull off the win and now looks a nailed on cert to bag his 12th slam. Djokovic and his fans must be gutted as we know how much he wants to win the French Open. He will feel this is one that got away. His patchy season continues and it will be interesting to see if he can bounce back on the grass.

[HM Murdock]

His patchy season continues and it will be interesting to see if he can bounce back on the grass.

Indeed. The fact Wimbledon is so soon is either a blessing or a curse.

It could either be a chance for redemption or a big event when he is mentally bummed out.

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