Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Federer-Djokovic semifinal rematch at Roland Garros

Roger Federer will stand in the way of Novak Djokovic's chance of completing the "Novak Slam" (consecutive four Grand Slam) or even the Golden Slam. It's a rematch of their semifinal at Roland Garros last year, when Federer ended the Serbian's 43-match winning streak.

1-ranked Novak Djokovic showed once again why he is on top. In another epic contest at the Court Philippe Chatrier, the Serbian had everyone and everything against him, but manage to save four match points in the 4th set. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga had the all crowd on his side and was really close to the victory but wasn't able to shake the pressure of his shoulders. Djokovic did what he does best to get the 6-1 5-7 5-7 7-6 (6) 6-1 win. He gives his opponent the advantage and then crushes him to a point that there is no turning back. The Serbian resilience and mental toughness is remarkable. Tsonga ended the match in tears.
Djokovic saved 4 match points! (Image: FFT/Roland Garros FB)
But "Nole" is more vulnerable than in 2011. He had to play five-sets in the last two games to overcome his opponents. He is missing a lot of backhands and forehands, and seems to be slower on the court. To defeat Federer or Nadal he will have to be in his best form. 

On the other hand, Roger Federer cruised to win Juan Martin Del Potro after dropping opening two sets. The men’s No. 3 seed was playing on Court Suzanne Lenglen at the same time as Djokovic, and had less trouble to defeat the Argentinian by 3-6, 6-7 (4), 6-2, 6-0, 6-3.

Djokovic is on his way to become the first man in 43 years to hold all four Grand Slam tennis titles at the same time. Don Budge and Rod Laver are the only players in history who accomplished the feat.

In the women's quarterfinals, Samantha Stosur and Sara Errani rallied for a win over Dominika Cibulkova  (6-4 6-1) and Angelique Kerber (6-1 7-6). The Australian and the Italian will now meet in the semis at Roland Garros. 

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