French Open Men's Final 2012: Predictions for When Nadal vs. Djokovic Resumes

Rafael Nadal will continue his march deeper into the tennis history books when play resumes at the 2012 French Open at Roland Garros on Monday. 

The men's final between Nadal and Novak Djokovic was called off because of steady rain in Paris on Sunday, and will resume on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Monday, according to ESPN.com.

Nadal held a 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 1-2 lead when play was suspended on Sunday.

Unfortunately, we will have to wait just a bit longer to find out which tennis great will make history at Roland Garros. Nadal is looking to become the first player to win seven French Open titles, while Djokovic is attempting to become the first player in over 40 years to win four straight Grand Slam tournaments. 

Here are some predictions for what to expect when the rain stops on Monday. 

Rafa Will Be Fresher Than Novak

Although reigning Australian Open champion and current men's World No. 1 Novak Djokovic won eight consecutive games against Nadal shortly after going down two sets to none and before the match was postponed for rain, Nadal, who has won at Roland Garros six times in the last seven tries, will be fresh and recharged for the final stretch of the match on Monday.

The delay benefits Nadal more than it does Djokovic, who seemed to reclaim his swagger right before the officials called for the tarps. 

Rafa Will Start Faster Than Novak

Nadal is a fast starter at the French Open, and is clearly a stronger player on dry clay than he is hitting wet tennis balls on a muddy surface. 

It seemed as if the elements leveled the playing field and allowed Djokovic to get back into the game, taking the third set with ease after dropping the first two games. If Nadal can move better on the red stuff and keep his rallies in play, then the Djoker will be in trouble.

Rafa Will Win In Four Sets

Rafael Nadal will have almost 24 hours to refocus on the task of winning a record seventh French Open. He will begin Monday's resumed final just five games away from the title, which means that if he can hold serve and break Djokovic a few more times he will head to Wimbledon this summer as the man to beat. 

Although it is tough to pick against a surging Djokovic in the fourth set, Nadal is too focused on clay and just too exceptional. His third set loss to Djokovic was the first dropped set of the tournament for the Spaniard, which leads me to believe that he will take care of business early on Monday and rid the final of any more drama.

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