French Open 2011: Big Questions for All 4 Heading into the Men's Semifinals
Roger Federer is yet to lose a set at the 2011 French Open, and he will meet Novak Djokovic, who is yet to lose a match this year, in the semifinals Friday.
Unlike in the Women's draw, the top four men seeds have survived to make it to the final four of the competition.
On Wednesday, world No. 1 Rafael Nadal avenged for his 2009 French Open loss to Robin Soderling even more by beating the Swede in straight sets in the quarterfinals (after doing the same in last year's final) and will now face Scot and world No. 4 Andy Murray who defeated Argentinian Juan Ignacio Chela, also in straight sets.
So what will happen when the top four meet on Friday? Let's find out.
Would a Win Give Roger Federer His Swagger Back?
1 of 4
Roger Federer has been the most efficient player at Roland Garros this year, but Novak Djokovic has been the most efficient on the year. Something's gotta give.
One thing that certainly will give is that Federer will lose a set in this match. The Djoker on the other hand, has been a man possessed this year. He's been dominant and unyielding against every opponent, and most importantly, he has upped his game when the match is on the line.
But this is Roger Federer. If anyone can put an end to Djokovic's run, it's him. A win over Djokovic could reignite his game heading into the very busy summer. Even if he didn't win the final, it could give him a much-needed boost ahead of Wimbledon, his best tournament.
Fed is still the best all-around tennis player in the game, and he's got some rights to wrong. Djokovic has knocked Federer out in the semifinals of the past two majors, and Fed hasn't been in a final of a major since the 2010 Australian Open.
Federer owns the overall record over the Djoker 2-1 on clay and 13-9 overall, but these days, he's no longer the favorite. The world No. 3 is almost 30 and likely doesn't have much longer on the top of the tennis world given all his rivals are six years his junior.
Roland Garros is far from Fed's best surface, but he would certainly like another shot at the title, especially if it could come against Rafa Nadal.
Would Losing Affect Novak Djokovic?
2 of 4
Novak Djokovic only has to get to the final at Roland Garros to claim the world No. 1 ranking. Roger Federer said it. The pressure is all on the Serb. Novak is also riding a 41-0 record on the year hoping to match John McEnroe's 42-0 record streak from 1984.
At some point, is the pressure going to get to him? And what would a loss do to his play?
The 24-year-old won his second major this year and is the second favorite to win his first French Open, though no one would be surprised to see him claim the title over Rafa Nadal.
Djokovic has struggled under pressure in the past, but he looks to be a whole new man. He looks to be in the best shape of his life, his movement is great and he's even become more likable. Djokovic used to have a reputation of being conceited and obnoxious, but that has gone away for the time being.
Would losing to Federer or even in the final affect Novak's game the rest of the season? There's no doubt that winning is what has propelled his epic run to start this season, and in a run like the one he's on, just one loss, even if it comes against a stellar opponent, can be crushing to the ego.
Can Rafa Nadal Stay on Top?
3 of 4
Rafa Nadal did himself a world of good by defeating Robin Soderling in straight sets on Wednesday, but this has in no way been a great tournament or year for the world No. 1. For one thing, he could very well lose that No. 1 ranking if Novk Djokovic gets past Roger Federer Friday.
Nadal has lost two clay court finals to Djokovic this year, and he was pushed to five sets in his opening match in Paris. But there's still no denying that Nadal is the King of Clay, and this is his title to lose.
His win over Soderling was his best of the tournament which is certainly something he can take with him into the semifinal with Andy Murray and beyond. Nadal is probably also looking ahead to Wimbledon and the US Open, two titles he most definitely wants to defend.
Rafa changed his game last year which led to him winning the French, Wimbledon and his first US Open, and with Novak upping his game as well, Rafa may need to make more tweaks this summer as well if he wants to stay on top.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Has Andy Murray Turned the Corner?
4 of 4
Andy Murray was down two sets to none, and his opponent, Viktor Troicki, was serving for the match up 5-3 in the third. Murray was also dealing with an ankle injury. Murray made an epic comeback against the Serb to fly into the quarterfinals, where he defeated Juan Ignacio Chela in straight sets to make it into his first French Open semifinal.
It was a good sign for Murray that he was able to not only come back from two sets down but that he also rebounded and defeated his next opponent in straight sets. Will that comeback propel him through the rest of the tournament or even the rest of the summer? Has Murray turned a corner?
Overall, Murray has been a disappointing tennis player to say the least, especially when it comes to the big moments in his career. But that comeback victory could provide some real momentum for the Scot. He'll need all the help he can get against Rafa Nadal in the semifinals Friday, but he needs to finally start stepping up in these big moments.
Not many have him overtaking Nadal, but as long as he makes it a competitive match, Murray's spirits could be high for Wimbledon next month. I don't think he needs to win this match—although it obviously wouldn't hurt—but if he can make Nadal sweat on clay, he could have a few heads turning next month.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
