French Open 2012 Schedule: Lack of Focus Will Doom Novak Djokovic vs. Federer

While Novak Djokovic is still alive and well heading into the semifinals of the French Open, there is no question something isn’t right.

When the No. 1 seed takes on No. 3 Roger Federer with a berth in the finals at Roland Garros on the line, he’ll do so without the typical confidence and focus he has brought in the last three Grand Slam events.

He has dropped two sets apiece in his last two matches, and he has found himself on the brink of elimination both times. While he has used incredible pinpoint accuracy on forehands to survive, it makes you wonder if he can keep it up against the legendary Federer.

You can make the argument he is simply struggling a bit because of the increased competition—which is certainly true. His first three opponents were ranked No. 97, No. 99 and No. 289. Of course, he didn’t drop a set.

But watching him fall behind two sets to a guy like No. 25 Andreas Seppi is puzzling. Way too many unforced errors and some clear tactical miscues have surfaced, something he has not displayed in a long time. Ditto for the second and third sets against No. 5 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Sure, Federer isn’t playing incredible tennis either, but that’s okay. He knows how to win here and is doing just enough to get by. It’s like he has been conserving the gas in his car for a long road trip to ensure he doesn’t run out before reaching the destination. He is playing like the legendary veteran he is.

Remember, Federer beat Djokovic here in the semis last year to snap his 41-match winning streak.

The remarkable 2011 run of Djokovic is now a distant memory. His confidence and sharp mental focus just aren't there. He took a two-week break from the tour to grieve the death of his grandfather at the end of April, and he hasn’t played strong tennis at all since returning.

Djokovic lost two tournaments to Rafael Nadal since then, both of them in straight sets. He doesn’t seem as crisp or as hungry to win. The killer instinct isn’t there.

Expect the experience and mental well-being of Federer to be the difference in a match that will surely go a full five sets.

Prediction: Roger Federer over Novak Djokovic in five sets

(Click here for Day 11 schedule)

(Click here for updated bracket)

Follow Eric Ball on Twitter.