FEDERER’S UP FOR DUEL WITH NADAL
IF YoU play the French open and keep winning, then eventually all roads lead to Rafael nadal.
Roger Federer knows that and there has been an inevitability that he would face his old rival for the 39th time in the semi-finals at Roland Garros on Friday.
‘Yes, the next opponent can play on clay, and if I returned on clay it’s probably because I wanted to play Rafa,’ said Federer with a smile after seeing off compatriot Stan Wawrinka 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 6-4.
Both he and nadal had the advantage yesterday of facing opponents who had come through gruelling five-set matches in previous rounds. the Spaniard had the most perfunctory progression, swatting away a weary Kei nishikori 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 in barely an hour and three quarters.
Having not played in Paris in four years, it was by no means assured that Federer would make the last four, but he has been aided by warm, quick conditions in the last two rounds which may not stay until the end of the week.
Yesterday they were evacuated off court for a thunderstorm at 3-3 in the fourth set, but he still came back and managed to finish it off in a slightly slower environment. Friday is a great scenario for Federer. not only is there no real pressure for him to meet expectations; he also comes in having won their last five meetings. a big caveat to that is that none of those have been on clay.
Federer, who has not beaten nadal on the brown dirt for 10 years, acknowledged as much: ‘Everybody facing Rafa here, they know it’s going to be tough. But you just never know. He might have a problem. He might be sick. You might be playing great or for some reason he’s struggling. Maybe there’s incredible wind, rain, 10 rain delays. You just don’t know. that’s why you need to put yourself in that position.
‘If I would have had a mindset to avoid him, I would not have played the clay.’
nadal has never lost a semi-final at Roland Garros as he goes for a 12th title in the same week that he turned 33. He knows the type of tennis coming, with Federer sure to try to avoid long rallies. ‘I expect he is going to play aggressive, changing rhythms, going to the net,’ said nadal. ‘He’s playing well and has the tennis to make that happen. I have to hit the ball strong to not allow him to do things from good positions.’ Both men welcomed the prospect of andy Murray returning to the doubles court, although nadal was surprised at how fast it has happened. Federer (left) was less so, recounting a conversation they had in australia: ‘I saw him in the locker room, and I was, like, “So what’s up? are you really retiring?” He didn’t know. all of us top guys would be thrilled to see him back on tour.’ today, in the other quarterfinals, novak Djokovic will face alex Zverev while fourth seed Dominic thiem tackles Russia’s Karen Khachanov. Either losing would constitute a significant upset, so the top four seeds are likely to be the final four.