French Open 2012 Bracket: Breaking Down Remaining Men's Draw

The 2012 French Open is down to four male competitors as we come closer to crowning a champion. 

Top-seeded Novak Djokovic will be facing third-ranked Roger Federer in a highly anticipated showdown in the second semifinal. The two of them met at the same stage in last year's French Open, with Federer winning one of the most exciting matches of the year in four sets. 

Federer and Djokovic were both pushed to five sets in their previous match but have had two full days off to recuperate for their upcoming clash.  

It may not matter who wins in the Federer and Djokovic match, because the victor will most likely face Rafael Nadal in the final.

Nadal has been his usual dominant self during the red clay court season, as he is yet to drop a set on the red turf. In the semi-finals, Nadal will face off against fellow Spaniard David Ferrer. 

Ferrer overcame fourth-seeded Andy Murray in four tough sets to set up a match against the almost invincible Nadal. 

This year's French Open has lived up to the expectations bestowed on a Grand Slam tournament thus far, and the final two rounds of the men's tournament promise to be exhilarating. 

Semifinal No. 1: Rafael Nadal vs. David Ferrer

To say that David Ferrer is at a major disadvantage against Rafael Nadal would be an extreme understatement. 

Nadal has always had Ferrer's number, as evidenced by his 15-4 record against him. 

Normally Ferrer has a stronger chance at beating the rest of the elite players on clay rather than another surface. This is certainly not the case with Nadal, as he has been thoroughly dominated by Rafa on the dirt. 

Ferrer has only beaten Nadal once on clay. The lone victory came during their first meeting, which was way back in 2004 at Stuttgart. 

Since then, Nadal has won 12 straight against Ferrer on clay. Even that doesn't properly demonstrate how one-sided their rivalry has been. 

Nadal hasn't lost a set on clay to Ferrer since losing the second set during the finals at Barcelona in 2008. Since that match, Nadal has won 15 straight sets against Ferrer on clay.

There is no reason to think that Ferrer will break through against Nadal in this match. 

Nadal is yet to lose a set at Roland Garros and appears to be even more unbeatable on the red clay with each match. 

Even Ferrer doesn't think he has a chance against Nadal. He said the following in regards to his chances against Nadal (from ATPWorldTour.com): 

"

"I think you can win a set to Rafa, but there is a difference between winning a set and winning a match. Winning a match against Rafa is almost impossible. He is in such good shape."

"

Ferrer is realistic, but his attitude won't help him in the big spots against Nadal. Talking about how your next opponent is unbeatable doesn't portray the confidence that the sixth-ranked player in the should have. 

Prediction: Nadal in three sets

Ferrer just doesn't have the weapons that it would take to beat Nadal on clay in a best-of-five set match. 

The courts are playing very slow this year, which makes Nadal even more formidable. When the court plays slow, it is even harder for Nadal's opponents to get the ball by him.

Nadal will dictate the match with his forehand and won't give Ferrer many free points, which will ultimately put too much pressure on Ferrer.

Nadal should be able to handle whatever Ferrer throws at him and should be able to raise his game well above Ferrer's in the big moments.

Semifinal No. 2: Novak Djokovic vs. Roger Federer

Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic both played excellent tennis when they met in the semifinals at last year's French Open. 

On that day, Federer's backhand was solid, and he served at a very high level for most of the match. 

Overall, it took an exceptional performance from Federer to beat Djokovic, and it will more than likely take a similar effort to beat him in tomorrow's semifinal. 

Neither player has had an easy road to the semifinals. 

Federer hasn't won a match in straight sets since the first round, where he routed Tobias Kamke. The Swiss Maestro lost a set to Nicolas Mahut, Adrian Unger and David Goffin in the early rounds, which caught the tennis world by surprise. 

Federer normally has no problem cruising through the first few rounds without losing a set at a Grand Slam, but that wasn't the case at this tournament. 

In the quarterfinals, Federer was down two sets to Juan Martin del Potro before battling back to take the match in five sets. Delpo was playing at an unbelievable level during the first two sets of that match, and he should be given a lot of credit for jumping out to an early lead. 

Djokovic has been pushed to five sets in each of his last two matches, and he even overcame four set points to get by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarters. 

In the fourth round, Andreas Seppi managed to take the first two sets against Djokovic but was unable to close out the top seed. 

Although Djokovic has had to struggle to get to this point, he should feel confident knowing that he has managed to stay in the tournament while not playing his best tennis. 

Prediction: Djokovic in four sets

This semi-final should be more competitive than the David Ferrer vs Rafael Nadal match, but I don't see it going the distance. 

Federer needs his serve to be a major factor to be able to compete with Djokovic and the slow conditions take away from the effectiveness of his serve. 

If this match is similar to the epic match that the two played last year, then tennis fans are the real winner. 

Projected Final: Novak Djokovic vs. Rafael Nadal

If the two higher seeds beat their foes in the semifinals, then this will be the final. 

A Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic final at Roland Garros would be a treat for any tennis fan, as the two mean are clearly the tour's best at the moment. 

The final that the two played in Australia earlier this year was one of the best tennis matches in recent history. 

In that match, Djokovic was able to get by Nadal in a tight fifth set as both players showed off their excellent shot making.

Nadal seems to have gotten Djokovic out of his head, as evidenced by his wins over him in the finals at Monte Carlo and Rome. 

The match promises to be physical and entertaining, as there will be a lot on the line. 

Nadal will be looking to pass Bjorn Borg's record of six French Open titles and to win his 11th Grand Slam. Djokovic will be attempting to become just the sixth man in the modern era to complete the career Grand Slam. 

Unlike most players, Djokovic doesn't struggle to handle Nadal's top-spin-laden forehand with his backhand. This alone won't be enough of an advantage for Djokovic to knock the "King of Clay" of his throne.  

Prediction: Nadal in four sets

The six-time French Open champion is simply playing too well on clay to be beaten by anyone, and that includes Djokovic. 

The Spaniard has cruised thus far in the tournament. No matter what happens in the semifinals, Nadal would have played far less tennis than Djokovic in this tournament, which means he will be much fresher for the final.

Due to Djokovic's current form and the slow conditions that have been present, it is very difficult to pick against Rafa.