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3/22/08 2:25 AM | Cheryl Murray
More interesting still is the fact that this semifinal match is a repeat of the final from last year. Nadal won that match in straight sets 6-2, 7-5.
These two players have looked at each other across the net with startling frequency since 2007's Pacific Life Open final; they met a whopping 7 times last year (they also met once in 2006 at Roland Garros). Nadal has won the lion's share of the meetings and leads the head-to-head 6-2, but he is hardly considered the favorite in their match on Saturday. They have actually split their hard court wins at 2-2; Nadal's other wins have come on clay and grass, surfaces which he is more adept on. The Spaniard won their last meeting on hards at the Masters Cup in Shanghai. He beat Djokovic 6-4, 6-4.
Djokovic has to be considered the more accomplished of the two men on hard courts, having made the finals at the US Open, and then winning the Australian Open. The best showing Nadal has had in a Grand Slam event on hard courts was his semifinal result this year in Melbourne, where he lost to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in straight sets.
Nadal has had the more difficult path to the semis, having participated first in a highly entertaining, yet grueling three set match in the round of 16 against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, which the Spaniard won 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 7-5. He then came back the next night and played an electrifying match against James Blake, who he had never beaten before - winning once again in three sets. Fatigue could very well be a factor, but the confidence Nadal will have gained from the two wins is much more important to his game than being rested.
Novak Djokovic has had all straight set wins so far at the Pacific Life Open, but his quarterfinal performance against Stanislas Wawrinka was a bit lackluster. He and Wawrinka took turns in the first set trading breaks of serve - even through the tiebreak, which Djokovic eventually managed to win. The Djokovic camp will be hoping that he finds his form before meeting Nadal.
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Did you know that... Jimmy Connors is the only player to have won the US Open on grass, clay and hard court.
kaitepai, Dec 2, 2008 9:14 PM
Casper, Dec 2, 2008 6:28 PM
RickyDimon, Dec 2, 2008 5:57 PM
tennisgirl, Dec 1, 2008 11:48 PM
lendl, Dec 1, 2008 6:17 PM
Casper, Dec 2, 2008 8:23 PM
Casper, Dec 2, 2008 8:02 PM
Casper, Dec 2, 2008 7:27 PM
Novak Djokovic
Rafael Nadal
Pacific Life Open
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