French Open 2012: Predictions for Djokovic vs. Federer and Ferrer vs. Nadal

While there have been plenty of upsets in the women's draw at the French Open, the men's side has remained pretty close to chalk with the top three seeds all reaching the semifinals. Even the fourth man left standing, David Ferrer, isn't a surprise.

The current era has been dominated by Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. That trio has combined to win 26 of the last 27 Grand Slam titles. The French Open in particular has been Nadal's specialty, winning it six times.

Most importantly, the level of tennis when they face off is always high, which provides a tremendous boost to the sport. With that in mind, let's take a look at the two semifinal matchups and make predictions for how they will turn out.

Novak Djokovic vs. Roger Federer

Last year at Roland Garros, Federer ended Djokovic's near record-breaking winning streak in an epic four-set encounter. Djokovic will be seeking revenge when they meet again for a spot in the championship match.

The Serbian sensation is attempting to win the "Nole Slam." After that loss to Federer, he proceeded to win the last two majors of 2011 and the first one of 2012. Therefore, two more victories would give him possession of all four slams at once.

He started well, winning his first three matches with relative ease. The last two matches haven't gone as smoothly, however. Andreas Seppi took the first two sets before Djokovic stormed back to win, while Jo-Wilfried Tsonga failed to convert several match points in the pair's encounter.

It would appear Djokovic isn't in top form. That said, neither is Federer. He has dropped at least one set in all but one of his matches, including a five-set triumph over Juan Martin Del Potro. It hasn't been his best tennis, to say the least.

However, that's why both guys have reached the mountain top. They find ways to win even when they aren't at their best. Look for another close match with several twists and turns before Djokovic finally takes control in the fifth.

Prediction: Djokovic in five sets

Rafael Nadal vs. David Ferrer

Nadal's track record on clay makes him the heavy favorite in this match, but that actually makes Ferrer more dangerous because he has nothing to lose. Regardless of the winner, Spain is assured at least one player in the final.

Ferrer has been impressive throughout the tournament. He won his first four matches in straight sets, which included victories over seeded players Mikhail Youzhny and Marcel Granollers. That allowed him to conserve a lot of energy.

He kept the hot streak alive by crushing No. 4 Andy Murray. Aside from the second set tiebreaker, Ferrer was clearly the better player and should enter his match against Nadal with a lot of momentum and confidence.

The only player who has played better than Ferrer is Nadal. He hasn't dropped a single set and most of them have been in blowout fashion as he's faced just one tiebreaker. That's not surprising, though. It's what everyone expect from him in the French Open.

At this point, it's basically impossible to pick against Nadal. He's asserted his dominance time and again, especially at Roland Garros. Ferrer will test him more than any of his opponents to this point, but Nadal will prevail.

Prediction: Nadal in four sets