This will be the fortieth meeting between [2] Rafael Nadal (ESP) and [3] Roger Federer (SUI). Despite Wimbledon’s attempt to get rid of Nadal early in the tournament by putting him in a position to play Nick Kyrgios, the Spaniard prevailed. Unfortunately for both these players, if they slug it out for hours, the winner will have nothing left in the tank for the final.
Who will win this encounter?
Nadal has come to Federer’s backyard and defeated him; Federer has never defeated Nadal at Roland Garros, Nadal’s backyard. In his recent return to clay at the French Open, Federer had the misfortune of playing Nadal in the semifinals and he lost in straight sets. Don’t for one second doubt that Federer has a little revenge on his mind and on his favorite surface, he will try to take it to the Spaniard from the first ball.
Nadal has been playing well, but can he rattle Federer tomorrow? Federer has not played particularly well; however, he will raise his level tomorrow.
Can anyone stop Djokovic?
The other semifinal match will pit [1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) against [22] Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP). The Serbian leads their head-to-head 7:3; however, he lost both encounters earlier this season. They have never played on grass though, and this year it appears that the grass is playing as slow as clay which does not bode well for the Spaniard who lost all four matches they played on clay.
No one really expects the Spaniard to win this encounter except perhaps the Spaniard and his team. If he can hang with Djokovic early, he may apply enough pressure to disrupt the mindset of the Serbian. Yet, given the way that Djokovic has been playing in the latter matches, everyone expects him to get to the final, without much stress. Djokovic did get pushed early in the tournament by Philipp Kohlschreiber and Hubert Hurkacz, so there is some hope for Bautista Agut.
In any event, I hope all the players bring their top forms and give the fans some great tennis.
SOURCE OF IMAGES: Zimbio.com (all: Getty Images Europe-main: Rafael Nadal)
Go Serena and Roger!!! Let’s hear it for the older players who might fall short at times, but continue to prove that age is just a number for the most part!