Match report

Novak Djokovic © Tennistalk.com
French Open
Semi final
6/6/08 1 2 3 Tot
rs  Novak Djokovic 4 2 6 3 0
es  Rafael Nadal 6 6 7 7 3
Rafael Nadal © Tennistalk.com

  • Audio: Nadal fights past Djokovic in straight sets

    6/6/08 5:40 PM | Cheryl Murray
    Rafael Nadal proved once again on Friday that he is the best there is on clay. Anticipation for this clash was heightened after Djokovic pushed Nadal hard in the Hamburg semi-finals a few weeks ago. It was not to be in Paris, however.

    Nadal started off strong. On Djokovic's second service game of the match, the Spaniard went up 15-40. Djokovic managed to claw his way to deuce, but Nadal would not be denied. At deuce number two, Nadal sent a rocket forehand cross-court for a clean winner, finally breaking after four missed opportunities. The biggest drama of the set came when Nadal was serving for the set at 5-4. The Spaniard got his typical warning for slow play, and not one minute later, Djokovic received a ball abuse violation when he hit a ball into the stands in frustration.

    The second set featured the complete dismantling of Novak Djokovic's game. Nadal set the tone for the set, breaking the Serb in the first service game of the set. Djokovic had a break point at 2-1, but he could not convert. The missed opportunity perhaps got in the Serb's head - he was broken at love in his next service game, giving Nadal a two break lead. Nadal took the set on a blistering down the line winner.

    The third set looked as though it would be more of the same. Nadal jumped out to a two break lead when suddenly, Djokovic decided it was time to play. At 3-0, Djokovic played an excellent game, hitting the lines for the first time in the match. The better quality of play paid dividends in the form of securing one of the breaks back. With some difficulty, Nadal held for 5-3, but when serving for the match at 5-4, he faltered, giving his insurance break back to Djokovic. The momentum of the set swung completely to Djokovic.

    The resolve of Rafael Nadal, however, is as much a part of his game as his forehand or his movement. The Spaniard fought off two set points on his serve at 5-6, and visibly dialed in on his concentration, and managed to hold to send the set to a tiebreaker.

    Once again, Djokovic appeared rattled by the missed opportunities. Nadal started the tiebreak with a mini-break and then raced out to a 6-0 lead. Djokovic staved off three match points, but one sensed it was just a matter of time. On his fourth match point he hit a good overhead smash off a lob from Djokovic, sending Nadal into his fourth consecutive French Open final. The effort from Djokovic proved too little and far, far too late.

    Nadal says he would find it tough to play better especially against Djokovic.


    Nadal says he played his best match so far in this edition in Paris.

    Djokovic says Nadal showed exactly why he is the three-time Paris champion.

    Djokovic says he woke and tried to make a match of it in the third set.

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Comments

well done rafa :-)

RafaNadalGirl20 , 6/6/08 5:43 PM


it was one-sided all right but there was nothing strange about it - Nadal simply took Djoker to the woodshed, just like he has done with every other opponent this week and just like he will do with Federer on Sunday

RickyDimon , 6/6/08 11:55 PM


The chance of Federer winning tomorrow is unimaginable !
Everyone is expecting Djokovic to give Nadal quite a challenge but it's just heartbreaking seeing him melt in the presence of the flaming Nadal!
The least Federer can do in the finals is take him to 4 sets!

agf25agf , 6/7/08 12:04 AM


I am so happy that Nadal cleaned Djok's clock. He has been so whiny this tournament - screaming at the photographers, complaining because of the windy conditions (his opponent doesn't have to contend with the wind as well?)- it was getting way old. Bravo Rafa!!

annabanana , 6/7/08 2:22 AM


I only said it was a bit strange because many people were sure that Djokovic would give Nadal a run for his money. I was pretty sure that Nadal would win, but I was surprised that it was so easy. That was very nearly an beatdown. Would have been if Nadal had managed to hold at 3-0 in the third.

cherylmurray , 6/7/08 4:01 AM



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