Federer And Murray Will Enter Wimbledon On Winning Note

The world no 3 and defending champion at Wimbledon this year Roger Federer will enter Wimbledon 2013 along with Andy Murray who was runner up to Federer at Wimbledon last year on winning note.  Both of these guys won first grass court titles of the season.  Federer won Gerry Weber Open title for 6th time in his career, on the other hand Andy Murray won Aegon Championship for the 3rd time in his career.  This is Federer's 77th tour title and Andy Murray's 26th.  These victories have given both of these guys an encouragement before entering into All England Club.

Murray With Aegon Championship Trophy

Andy Murray beat Marin Cilic in the final after one set to love down by 5-7 7-5 6-3.  It was a very close match, which could go either way after Murray's first set loss.  In the first set Marin Cilic showed great game and continue to hold his serve till the end of the set.  At 5-5 he got up from 15-40 down to hold his serve.  In the very next game Cilic got the break through and broke Brit to serve for the set.  In this way he won first set by 7-5.  In the second set Scot did not lose his focus and hold his serve until scoreboard went to 6-5 with Cilic serving to stay in the set.  Murray jumped upon the opportunity and stolen the second set by breaking Cilic to level the match.  He broke Croatian again in 4th game of the deciding set and that break was enough to close the match out at 6-3 in the decider in 2 and half hours. With this victory Murray becomes 6th man to win three titles at Queen's Club.

Federer With Gerry Weber Open Trophy

Federer's victory at Gerry Weber was also a fight back victory against Mikhail Youzhny.  The detail of this match was written on my previous article.  The good news for Federer fans is that Federer has ended the title drought this year and will play at Wimbledon on a positive note.  And he will again man to beat at All England Club.

Federer Clinched 6th Gerry Weber Open Title

The top seed and world no three Roger Federer won his 6th title of career at Halle.  He beat Russian Mikhail Youzhny of Russia when he was a set down.  He beat Youzhny by 6-7 6-3 6-4.  This is Federer's 77th title tie him with John MaCnroe for third most title after Jimmy Connors and Ivan lendl.  He played this match with a record of white wash against Youzhny.  He was leading 14-0 against him.  Now he is 15-0 against him.

Slice Serve Against Mikhail Youzhny

Youzhny tried his best and gave everything that he had against Swiss maestro but all in vain.  He could not break Swiss star in the whole match.  In the first set Mikhail was more committed than every to down Federer for first time in his career.  He saved multiple break points and countinued to hold his serve again and again.  At last this set went into the tie break and Youzhny made no mistake to get mini break of serve to clinch the tie break by 7-5.  This was only third set that Youzhny took away from Federer in his career.  With winning first set the momentum was clearly in favour of Russian.

Topspin Backhand In the Final

In the second set Federer focused more on his serve and tried to break Russian with more intensity.  He produced 9 break points in the match but could convert only two of them which was the deciding factory.  Now he got much deserved break in the second and served for the set successfully to level the match.  Now Swiss master was more and more focused.  He was holding his serve more comfortably.  He saved all 2 break balls that he faced.  He fired 11 aces and got 66 percent of first serves in and winning 80 percent of those points.  In the deciding set Youzhny again tried his best but not this time.  Federer broke him again to and served out the match in 2 hours and 3 minutes.  This is Federer's first title of the season.

Federer And Murray Will Try To Win Wimbledon Warm Up

The world no 3 and seven times Wimbledon champion Roger Federer and world no 2 home favourite Andy Murray will try to win Wimbledon warm up tournaments.  Roger Federer will play against Mikhail Youzhny of Russia for Gerry Weber Open title for the 6th time in his career.  On the other hand Murray will try to win Aegon championship against Marin Cilic of Croatia.

Roger Federer and Mikhail Yourzhny will have their 16th meeting with Federer won all 15 previous meetings.  Federer's game suits so much against the Russian that Youzhny could only took two sets from Swiss maestro.  They have met at Halle four times previously.  In 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2012 with Federer just losing only one set.  Their last meeting was also on grass last year's Wimbledon with Federer won in straight sets by 6-1 6-2 6-2.  Youzhny reached final after beating no 2 seed Richard Gasquet in straight sets.  Now he will face an ultimate test against the man whome he never beat in his career.  According to Federer's point of view this title is now in Federer's bag.  After winning this title he will tie John MaCnroe for third most titles in tennis history after Ivan Lendl and Jimmy connors.

Andy Murray on the other hand have also an upper hand against Cilc.  Both men met 10 time previously with Murray leads  9-1 head to head.  The only win of Cilci was came on US Open 2009 4th round.  In which Cilic beat Murray by 7-5 6-2 6-2.  Murray can face a fierce test against tall Croatian, because he possesses huge serve and forehand.  Murray reached into the final by beating Jo Wilfried Tsonga when he was a set down.  Their last meeting was at Miami this year won by Murray 6-4 6-3.  So their head to head record shows that Murray will cruise.

  

Federer Is Into Gerry Weber Open Final

Roger Federer the top seed at Gerry Weber Open has qualified for second final of the season.  He beat defending champion and home favourite Tommy Haas in a rematch of last year's final.  Last year Tommy Haas beat Federer in straight sets to take the title.  It was only defeat of Federer at Grass in 2012.  This year Federer handled Haas in best possible manner to qualify for the final.

Roger Federer beat Tommy Haas when he was a set down by 3-6 6-3 6-4.  He was reached into the semis by recording a double bagle against another German Zverev.  So he was so much confident, and it was expected that he will handle Tommy Haas comfortably.  But Tommy proved it wrong and streched Federer to the limits.  Haas served first in the opening set and only one break was enough to clinch the that set by 6-3.  In this set Haas saved three break points to take this set in 40 minutes.

Federer Thanking To German Crowd After Victory

After losing the first set, last year's repetition was expected by tennis fans, but Federer regained his focus and got an early break in second set to get 2-0 lead.  Immediately after he hold his serve to get 3-0 lead and  got strong grip in the second set.  He used net very effectively right from the start of second set, which changed the whole dynamics of the match.  After getting this break Federer continued to hold serve until Haas was serving to stay in the set.  Federer was 40-15 up and had two set points on Haas serve but Haas put two huge first serves in which Federer only managed to touch and hold his serve to force Federer to serve it out and Federer did it to level the match by taking set 6-3.

Heavy Forehand Against Tommy In Semis

In the deciding set the momentum was clearly in the favour of top seed.  He made full use of that momentum and got early break again to get 2-1 and then 3-1 lead.  Tommy tried his best to break Federer serve but Federer's wide serves were untouchable.  Also his frequent use of net had no answer.  So Haas could not do anything axept holding his serve to get scoreboard to 5-4.  At last Federer served out the match and took victory in 1 hour and 38 minutes.  Next he will face Mikhail Youzhny against whome he never lost in his career.

Federer Records Double Bagle At Halle

The top seed at Gerry Weber Open showed a clinical performance at Halle in quarterfinal match against home favourite Zverev.  He beat Zverev by flawless 6-0 6-0.  He showed that he has still something left in the tank on grass court.  He took only 40 minutes to get rid of German qualifier.  Federer's serve was blasting one, he fired 4 aces.  He lost just two points on his second serve in the whole match.  He converted 6 out of 10 break points that he produced.  Federer won 54 points in total in the whole match as compared to Zverev only 22.

Federer Returning Zverev Serve In Halle Quarters

Now his next opponent will be another German Tommy Haas in a rematch of last year's final.  Tommy Haas survived the scared of French man when he lost the first set in the tie break.  But he regain his focus in other two sets and get the victory in three sets.  Their last meeting was in last year's Halle final in which he beat Federer in straight to win the title for the German Nation.  But now Federer is more commited than ever, as his performance against Zverev shows.  Federer leads head to head series by 11-3.  So he can handle Haas effectively.

Federer Hitting Forehand Winner Against Zverev

  

How Can Roger Federer Win At Wimbledon 2013

Roger Federer the no 3 seed this year and seven times champion at All England club will try to win his eighth Wimbledon title.  For this he has to face fierce tests in his path.  He is no more the same Federer as he was four or five years ago.  If we see his performance this year in 2013 so far, we come to know that he is not even the same Federer who was in 2012, and who won 7^th Wimbledon title.  The 2012 Federer won 6 titles and 2013 Federer has not won a single title so far.  So if we say that Federer will win 8^th Wimbledon title than it will be a dead man’s bet. 

Despite his disappointing performance in 2013 so far, he has still potential to win at Wimbledon and on his beloved grass.  He has such tools that if he use them properly then he is man to beat on centre court.  The defending champion here in 2013 can defend his title successfully if he at least do the following things.

1:  Increase His First Serve Percentage

Roger Federer’s serve has been his asset to get all achievements in the tennis.  He is legend due to this tool.  He served only 58% of his first serves in against Tsonga In Frecnh Open quarterfinal, which was major cause of his defeat.  So he has to improve this part of his game.  His serve especially on grass is untouchable when it clicks.  He fired 50 aces against Andy Roddick in 2009 Wimbledon final.  This shows the potential in his serve.  He can use this tool to get success if he land most of his serves in to get cheap points.  He has still ability to serve aces wide as well as down the tee.  For this he has to bring accuracy to his fast and furious first serve.  This will make his opponent impossible to beat him.   

2:  Accurat Second Serve

Federer’s second serve is one of the most accurate and fastest serves in tennis history.  That’s why he has been broken least number of times.  Despite less percentage of first serves and lose return game, he fulfills this deficiency by heavy and precise second serve.  His second serve is such a tool which saved him again and again in the past in tense condition.  But now he can not rely much on second serve.  So he has to win most points on first serves and try to get rid of tense conditions by great second serves also.

3:  Effective Use Of Net

Federer’s game has a lot of variation including his use of net when it matters.  Grass is the surface on which effective use of net is necessary to get a comprehensive victory.  In his final last year against Murray Federer’s net points percentage was heavy one.  After losing his first set and at 6-5 when Murray was serving to stay In the second set.  Federer delivered a fabulous backhand volley at set point, which changed the dynamics of the whole match.  And Federer went on to win that match in four sets.  If Federer wants to have real chance this year he has to make full use of net especially when it matter.  He has to do it to get cheap points and I am sure that Paul Annacone is paying great attention to this part of his game. 

4:  Use Slice Backhand Frequently

Federer’s backhand is considered as his weak wing.  That’s why his rivals Djokovic and Nadal make full use of that deficiency of Federer and attack his backhand again and again to draw errors as much as possible.  On grass the most useful weapon along the backhand side is slice backhand, which Federer knows how to deliver it.  Federer has a tricky and precise slice backhand to deceive his opponent on grass.  He used this weapon again and again to reduce his errors and win big rallies, which matter hugely in this era.  This year fact is the same.  Federer can’t hit winners as much as Nadal and Djokovic do using backhand.  But his running slice backhand is one of the best on the tour.  He has to use this backhand frequently and he has to produce power through this wing when it needed especially in passing shots.

5:  Hit Forehand Winners And Winners

Federers’s 17 grand slam titles are hugely due to Federer’s forehand.  Because his forehand is one of the most lethal and powerful wing in tennis history.  His forehand can change completely who direction of the rally.  He can hit winner from his backhand from each inch of the court.  So he has to make full use of his forehand to hit more and more winners.  Another positive thing about Federer’s forehand is that his forehand has so much power as well as accuracy.  His unforced errors are far less than that of his backhand.  So the frequent use of this wing will make him undefeated.

6. Show Enthusiasm On The Court

Federer is known by his great calmness on the court.  But if we see Djokovic and Nadal they show great roaring on the court.  Federer has to show some enthusiasm on the court to get himself involve in the match when it matters.

Federer Eases Past Stebe To Join Last Eight At Gerry Weber Open

Roger Federer of Switzerland, the top seed at Gerry Weber Open 2013 made short work of his second round opponent and beat him by 6-3 6-3 in 68 minutes.  This is Federer’s 40^th win at Halle.  In the whole match Federer was broken only once and he broke Stebe four times.  The key thing for Federer’s victory was the important points of the match which Federer won when it mattered.

Heavy Forehand Against Stebe At Halle

Five times champion at Halle fired 3 aces and made only 58% of his first serves in but he managed to hold his serve again and again.  He won 73% of the points on his first serve.  But he fulfill this deficiency by accurate second serve.  The 2012 runner will next face Jerzy Janowicz of Poland in the quarterfinals. 

In the other matches Monfils beat favourite Raonic in straight sets and Richard Gasquet as well as 2011 champion won their matches.  Federer may have to face defending champion Tommy Haas in the semi finals. 

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Heavy Favourites At Wimbledon 2013

French Open 2013 is gone and now in history books.  Rafael Nadal again proved himself prince of Roland Garros.  Now tennis fans have divert their attention towards third and most prestigious grand slam of the year Wimbledon at All England Club.  Wimbledon is historical event which is held at last week of june.  This year the favourites are non other than top four players in the world.  Below is the detail why they are favourites.

4: Andy Murray

Andy Murray is British hope again this year to win Wimbledon for their nation.  Scottish veteran is only man of great Britain who qualified for the final of Wimbledon in open era.  Now all British nation is looking towards him.  He was runner up to Federer last year, and he is heavy favourite again with support of huge crowd at centre court.  He is 22-5 so far this with two titles including Miami title.  He has record of 30-7 at Wimbledon.  He is semi finalist here three times in 2009 to 2011.

3: Roger Federer

Roger Federer is one of the greatest grass court players of all times, as I wrote in my previous article.  Roger Federer’s 2013 season is frankly speaking is shame as compared to his previous years.  So this year’s Wimbledon will be his perhaps final test that whether he has finished or not.  Wimbledon is his best chance to win an 18^th grand slam title to join Nadal for winning a slam at least eight times.  By winning this year’s Wimbledon he will become the only man who win 8 Wimbledon titles.  This year he is 22-7 with no title.  At Wimbledon he has an impressive record of 66-7, and he suffered just three loses since 2003 when he became Wimbledon champion for the first time.  He is heavy favourite here because his game suits to grass and he is defending champion here.  He will be man to beat.

2: Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic is currently no 1 player in the World with one grand slam title this year in his bag.  In 2011 which was one of greatest years, he also won Wimbledon against Rafael Nadal.  Now he is very much annoyed by unfortunate defeat against Rafael Nadal in a very close semi final.  Now he wants to heal at Wimbledon.  He desperately wants this title to regain his momentum.  He is ready to face each and every challenge at this event.  He has a record of 33-5 with 3 titles this year.  He is also two times semi finalist here.  Last year he lost to Federer in four sets. 

1: Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal 2013 season is going to be his most successful season of his career.  Because he has an impressive record after his recovery from knee injury.  He is 43-2 with astonishing 7 titles out of which 6 are on clay.  He has huge momentum in his side.  He is considered as most favourite to win at Wimbledon.  He is two times champion here in 2009 and 2010.  In 2009 he produced one of greatest matches in tennis history against Federer and he got victory in five sets and did not allow Federer to win 6^th consecutive title.  Grass court has its own dynamics.  Last year Nadal was champion at French Open, but he could not cope with clay to grass transition and suffered a second round loss to unknown Lukas Rosol.  At Wimbledon he has 36-6 record.  Now he is bidding to win his 3^rd Wimbledon title. 

Comparison Of Performance At Wimbledon

Year	Novak Djokovic	Rafael Nadal	Roger Federer	Andy Murray
1999	DNP	DNP	1st Rd	DNP
2000	DNP	DNP	1st Rd	DNP
2001	DNP	DNP	QF	DNP
20002	DNP	DNP	1st Rd	DNP
2003	DNP	DNP	Won	DNP
2004	DNP	DNP	Won	DNP
2005	3rd Rd	2nd Rd	Won	3rd Rd
2006	4th Rd	Runner Up	Won	4th Rd
2007	SF	Runner Up	Won	DNP
2008	2nd Rd	Won	Runner Up	QF
2009	QF	DNP	Won	SF
2010	SF	Won	QF	SF
2011	Won	Runner Up	QF	SF
2012	SF	2nd Rd	Won	Runner Up

  

Five Greatest Grass Court Tennis Players Of Open Era

Grass courts are considered as primary courts of the tennis game.  Because tennis was started on grass courts and that time it was called as grass tennis.  After that clay courts were introduced and now clay courts are in all europe and also in America as well as Canada.  After the starting of open era in 1968, the hard courts werer introduced.  These hard courts gained importance because they are easy to maintain.  Thererfore two of four grandslams are played on hard courts.  The only grand slam which is played on grass is Wimbledon.  This tournaments had been playing on grass right from its starts.

As we are going into grass court season of 2013.  So it will be intersting for fans to read about players who were or are greatest tennis players in history of open era.  Here is list of those players in ascending order.

5: Boris Becker

Boris Becker born on 22 of November, 1967 in Germany and turned pro in 1984.  He was famous for his huge serve and volley which was main weapon to win at grass at that time.  Boris Becker is youngest men singles Wimbledon champion, because he won this title at the age of 17.  He won three Wimbledon titles and qualified for 7 finals at Wimbledon.  Grass had been his best and favourite surface.  He won 26 titles on grass and indoor carpet out of his 49 titles.  His total win loss record at grass court is 116-25.  He retired early, otherwise he could make more records at grass.

4: John McEnroe

John McEnroe was an American tennis athelete who was born on 16 February, 1959 at West Germany.  He turned pro in 1978.  He won 3 Wimbledon titles and 4 US open titles.  He was a great entertainer at centre court of Wimbledon.  He was famous for short temper against the chair umpired.  He has an impressive record of 119-20 on grass courts .  His stylish serve and volley was great to see.

3: Bjorn Bjorg:

Bjorn Bjorg was Swedish tennis player who born at 6 June, 1956.  He turned pro in 1973. He was greatest of tennis players of his era.  He conquered Wimbledon five consecutive times form 1976 to 1980.  He has record of 61-11 record on grass in his short career.  He has won 64 career titles and won 7 French Open titles also.

2:  Pete Sampras:

Pete Samprs was born in Maryland U.S.A.  He was born on 12 August 1971 and turned pro in 1988.  Pete Sampras was one of most impressive serve and volley player of all times.  His impressive swinging serve and rushing to the net was unique one.  No one has match to that.  He won 7 Wimbledon titles tied with Federer.  After starting from 1993.  He lost just in 1996 and won all other titles until 2000.  He was unbeatable on grass.  His record of grass court is 101-20.  He won overall 14 grand slam titles in his career.

1: Roger Federer:

Roger Federer is Basel native born on 8 August 1981.  He has also won 7 Wimbledon titles and bidding for his eighth in 2013.  He has won most of grass court titles in history.  He has won 12 grass court titles out of which 5 Gerry Weber titles are included.  He won 60 consecutive matches on grass courts.  Also he has a record of 40 consecutive wins at Wimbledon.  His records at grass have no touch.  He Wimbledon five consecutive times form 2003 to 2007 tie him with Bjorg.  His wins are more that 110 at this time.  And it is hoped that he will reach another milestone at this Wimbledon.

Rafael Nadal Has Best Chance To End 2013 As no 1

The current world no 5 according to Emirated Atp Rankings for this week.  But Nadal becomes the first man to qualify for the year ending championship at O2 Arena.  He is no 1 as far as 2013 is concerned.  He has participated in 9 tournaments so far in 2013 and won seven of them.  In other two tournaments he was runner up.  His total points in 2013 is now 7000 after winning French Open in 2013.  He is far ahead of all men on tour.  At second is Djokovic who has 5 and half thousand points.

If we see Nadal's performance after his comeback.  It was an epic performance.  He has come back as stronger than ever.  He won seven titles out of which 6 titles are on clay and 1 title on hard i-e Indian Wells.  Now he has defended all those points that he gained in 2012.  Now this is time for Nadal to only gain points without losing anything.  His next tournament is Wimbledon.  Therer he has to defend just 45 points.  If he wins this tournament, his points will be above 8000 and he can become no 2 in the world.

After Wimbledon he has not to defend a single point.  But he can gain plenty of points after Wimbledon also.  So winning two or more tournaments in the second half of season will get him very closer to Djokovic.  Because Djokovic's second half of the season was very strong last year and he has to defend a lot of points. That's why one or more early exits of Djokovic will make it more easy for Nadal to catch Djokovic for world no 1.  But Nadal's big test will be Wimbledon because transition from slow dirt to fast grass is difficult to handle.  With Nadal playing no grass court warm up tournament, he has to maintain his focus on fast grass to maintain his momentum.

Nadal Beat Ferrer To Win 8th French Open Title

After winning the epic semi final match against Djokovic, it was sure that Nadal will become champion.  And the same thing happened on last sunday.  Nadal and Ferrer met 16 times on clay with Ferrer have no victory against fellow Spaniard.  Nadal beat Ferrer in one sided match by 6-3 6-2 6-3.  In the whole match Nadal always hold the upper hand and did not let Ferrer to take any room.

Nadal Celebrating After Winning Eighth FO

David Ferrer tried his best and broke Nadal three times in the match but all in vain.  He could never open the door against king of clay.  This result was expected and it is not so much surprising result.  Nadal again proved himself best tennis clay court player in the history of the game.  His grand slam tiltles are now 12, five behind Federer.  He also becomes first man in tennis history to win a slam eight times.

Nadal with 2013 FO Trophy

He is now 59-1 at Rolland Garros.  His records on clay will be impossible to break.  Because Nadal is just 27 and he has to play more French opens as well as other clay court events.  His losses on clay are just fraction as compared to his wins.  Nadal is GOAT on clay, that's for sure.

Federer's Draw At Gerry Weber Open 2013

Gerry Weber Open is a tennis tournament which starts right after the French Open at Halle Germany.  It is 250 event and played on grass courts.  Because it is warm up tournament for most prestigious grand slam Wimbledon.  It is starting from June 10, 2013.  Federer is participating in this event as top seed.  The other seeds include Richard Gasquet, Kie Nishikori and Tommy Haas.

Tommy Haas 2013 Champion With Federer As Runner Up

Federer's Draw:
As he is top seeded player he will enjoy first round bye at this tournament.  In the second round his possible opponent may be German wild card holder C Stebe or a qualifier. In the Quarterfinals he can face Polish veteran Jerzy Janowicz.  In the semi finals he will face last year's defending champion Tommy Haas.  Haas is home favourite and beat Federer last year to win the title.  In the final he can face Kie Nishikori or Richard Gasquet.

Expectations:
Federer is facing worst season of career so far.  Because for the first time since 2000 he is going to Halle without title.  This title can give him confidence that he needed for Wimbledon 2013 where he is a defending champion.  

Nadal And Ferrer Will Clash In All Spanish French Open Final

The King of clay and seven tmes champion Rafael Nadal had faced ultimate test against Djokovic in the semi finals.  But now he has to beat his fellow spaniard and Davis cup team's member clay court specialist David Ferrer.  David Ferrer is a great tennis machine especially on clay courts.  He has shown an impressive performance at this tournament this year.  He beat home favourite Tsonga in straight sets to reach his first ever grand slam final.  But in this final he has to face a man who had suffered only one loss in his ninth appearance.  He is 58-1 at this tournament.  Ferrer has to show an epic display to beat an ubeatable man.  He has to continue his great performance as he has done in previous rounds.

Ferrer And Nadal Shaking Hands After French Open 2012 Semi Final

Their track record shows Nadal as heavy favourite to win this title.  Because Nadal leads Ferrer by 20-3 head to head.  With Ferrer got his three victories on hard courts.  He trails Nadal by 16-0 on clay courts encounters.  His all matches on clay against Nadal were interesting to see.  Because most of matches were close.  Their previous meeting was at Rome 2013 in which Nadal won in three sets by 6-4 4-6 6-2.  At French Open they met last year at semi final stage in which Nadal outlast Ferrer by 7-5 6-2 6-0.

David Ferrer has ability to beat Nadal.  But for this he has to get rid of thought that he is facing a man against which he never won on clay.  He has to start the battle by thinking that he is playing a man who is one of those to whome he beat in previous rounds.  For Nadal it will not be as easy match as it is expected by tennis world because Ferrer is also man to beat at this tournament.  And Ferrer showed this against Tsonga. So Ferrer can pull a huge upset of French Open history and can win  a much deserved maiden grand slam of his career.

Nadal Beat Djokovic In French Open Marathon

What a match that was! I mean what  a match that was.  It was without any doubt an epic thriller.  Unfortunately there is only one winner.  But this match gave a lot of thrilling moments to the tennis fans.  In the end Nadal came as victorious by 6-4 3-6 6-1 7-6(3) 9-7.  It was a block buster right from start to the end.  In the opening set both of guys showed good start by holding their serves with comfort.  But Nadal stole a break and sealed the set by serving at 5-4 for the set and sealed the set by Djokovic's forehand went long.

Nadal Celebrating After a great victory

In the second set Nadal put a great pressure on Djokovic's serve and produced a couple of break points but Djokovic saved all those break points by putting first serves in.  He hold his serve to get mental edge against Nadal.  Both guys go on holding their serves to take the scoreboad to 3-2.  After that Djokovic came in action and broke Nadal's serve when he was 40-15 up.  This break was enough to seal the second set by 6-3.  In the third there was Nadal everywhere his dimantled Djokovic completely and took the set by double break of serve by 6-1.

In the third set both guys showed their mental toughness.  Untill Nadal again broke Djokovic to get 4-3 lead and tried to consolidate his break but Djokovic came back strong and broke right back to level the score at 4-4 and then hold his serve at 5-4.  At last this set went into the tie break in which Djokovic dominated and won it by 7-3.  Now it was a five setter marathon, in which Djokovic drew first blood breaking Nadal at first.  But Djokovic broke right back.  Djokovic did not lose heart and broke Nadal again to get 6-5 lead and had a chance to serve for the match.  But King of clay showed an epic display to get the break back.  Now Nadal was leading by 8-7 and tired Djokovic was serving to stay in the match.  He missed one smash on very first point and lost his concentration.  Nadal took advantage and broke his serve for love to win a match which lasted for 4 hours and 37 minutes.

A Great Sportsmanship

Djokovic And Nadal Will Play Destructive French Open 2013 Semi Final

The world no 1 Novak Djokovic and no 3 seed Rafael Nadal will collide at French Open semi finals on Friday.  Forget about the final of the French Open, the winner of these two will surely lift Rolland Garros 2013 trophy.  Critics are saying that their mathup is too early, because they should meet in the final.  But the things are different from the critics thinking.  Now they are facing in the semi finals which is reality.

Djokovic And Nadal Meeting After Monte Carlo 2013 Final

Their track record shows that this match would be a block buster.  Djokovic knows how to beat King Of Clay on clay, because he did it at Monte carlo earlier this by beating him 6-1 7-6.  With this victory he finished the long reign of Nadal at Monaco.  Now Djokovic is looking for another fate.  He is looking to become an eighth man in tennis history to complete their career slam.  This fate is huge because even Pete Samprs could not achieve it because he did not won French Open in his career.  This is a chance for Djokovic to make history.

Djokovic And Nadal At Ending Ceremony Of French Open 2012

This is their second consecutive at this event.  Last year they met at finals where Djokovic lost in four sets.  But that match was interrupted by rain.  Rain delay affected Djokovic's performance because at one time Djokovic won eight game in a row and rain fell and match stopped.  If rain did not fall and match continue till the end then result would be different.  This year the weather is bright and clear.  Therefore this match will be without any interruption.  Which is a positive sign.  Now there will be contest between Djokovic's backhand vs Nadal's forehand.  It will be a contest of mental toughness of both best players in the world.  It will be contest of everything between them. We can't wait to see this match.