French Open 2012 Schedule: Last-Second Predictions for Star-Studded Semifinals

The French Open's star-riddled semifinals will go just as expected with few exceptions.

Each matchup is predictable outside of Andy Murray's surprising absence. The top three players in the world have a chance to claim the 2012 French Open title.

The semifinals of this year's French Open are almost ready to begin. Let's make some last-second predictions for these epic matchups.

Roger Federer Will Face an Early Deficit

Federer must win the service game and keep Novak Djokovic on the baseline. He will not realize this until the third set.

Djokovic thrives when players let him control the court with his ground shots. Federer will allow him to run rampant in this area for the first two sets before blistering the baseline with quality shots.

He lost the first two sets to Juan Martin del Potro in the quarterfinals so this isn't unfamiliar territory. It will just take Federer a few sets to dissect his specific plan of attack against the world's premier Grand Slam performer.

Do not expect the Swiss legend to stay behind, but expect all early momentum to swing in Djokovic's favor.

Djokovic Will Fail to Capitalize

He is going to have a chance to pull away from Federer today, but he won't. Djokovic will feel the pressure, and he will allow Federer to climb back into the match.

Djokovic is the world's most complete player right now. He has power, finesse and everything in between. Against Federer, he will have a chance to put him away early, but the prospect of four straight Grand Slam titles will get to him. 

Look for Djokovic to have a two-set lead before Federer climbs back into this match. Eventually, Federer will begin to hit deep shots and attack the net. This will hamper Djokovic's game, and he will need to adjust himself.

Federer will not win the match, but Djokovic will let him think he can.

Rafael Nadal Wins in Four Sets

David Ferrer will win one set against Nadal. Other than that, Nadal will have no trouble cleaning up on his way to another French Open final.

Nadal has cruised so far this year at Roland Garros. While Federer, Djokovic and Ferrer were struggling in the quarterfinals, Nadal was whooping Nicolas Almagro. He has not been tested so far this year, and doesn't appear to have any current weaknesses.

As long as Nadal is in quality shape, and healthy, he is very tough to beat. Ferrer has had prior success against Rafa, but that will not help this time around.

Nadal wants to win his seventh French Open in the worst way. Ferrer will not stand in his way.

Don't expect Nadal to receive much of a challenge until the French Open final.