After a couple of weeks of fine tennis we got to a recurring final: Nadal – Djokovic.
DJOKOVIC – FEDERER 6-4 7-5 6-3
Sometimes is difficult to understand what’s going in the Swiss Maestro’s mind. It might be his attacking style that makes him go up and down so many times during a match, but he can’t afford that with Nole or Rafa. Actually, Federer could have won this match in straight sets! The begining of the match was for Federer with his shot anticipations and fast points. The Swiss got an early break to lead 3-2 in the opener, then instead of consolidate the break he was immediately broke back to melt downand and lose the first set 6-4. Roger had an head start in the second set to break immediately Djokovic twice and lead 3-0. The Serb was quite proved by an intriguing 36 shots rally that made him super tired to lose his focus for some times. Then Roger melted away to wastes his strong lead and lose the second set 7-5 (incredible!). Finally in the 3rd sets there was a 3rd Roger’s meltdown when the scoreline was 2-2. The Swiss conceded 3 fast games to Nole that thanked him and did wrap up the set 6-3.
Roger committed 46 unforced errors v. Nole’s 17.
“I believe that was the best match of 2012 Roland Garros for me, so I’ve raised my game when I needed to,” Djokovic said. “I played really well when it was the most important, so that’s something that gives me confidence obviously before the final.”
“I regrouped mentally, and I came back. That’s really a positive, especially when you come back from double break down,” said Djokovic. “Against a player like Federer it is a success. It is a great achievement. But I cannot allow myself to have that many ups and downs, especially the next match. I am aware of the intensity that I needed to play and on Sunday, as well.”
NADAL – FERRER 6-2 6-2 6-1
Ominous Rafa, definately the man to beat. The King of Clay demolishes Ferrer in 3 painful sets. The start of the match was quite interesting. Rafa looked a bit worried and Ferrer had that look…”ah…ah… you know this time I am going to take it”. That look lasted 3 games. David had various chances to break Rafa to waste one of them in a very naive way with an awkward drop volley intead of closing a very easy point. From that moment on it was game over. Rafa grabbed the 1st, the 2nd and the 3rd set in no time. Not even a 50 minutes rain delay helped Ferrer (well he was already 1 set down and 1-4 (and 2 breaks down in the second).
“I’ll be playing in a Grand Slam final, which is something quite special for me,” said Nadal. “This tournament is special for me. I’m really happy to reach the final. Considering what’s happened so far, I’d say this tournament has been excellent for me. We’ll see what happens next, what is going to happen during the final. If I were to win I’d be very happy, but the best thing for me is to reap the fruit of so many years of work.”
Nole can complete his career and year slam, Rafa can win the Roland Garros for the 7th time (first man ever).
Rafa is the super favourite here… but will Nole produce another surprise?
