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Two of the world’s leading tennis players go up against each other on Friday as Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer meet in the French Open semi-final.
This is without doubt an extremely mouth-watering contest for spectators at Roland Garros and for tennis fans across the world.
It sees 16-time Grand Slam Champion Federer take on Djokovic, the man of the moment who has won every single match he has taken part in this year.
With a place in French Open final the prize for the winner, it rarely gets better than this in tennis and it should be a very entertaining contest from start to finish.
Federer goes into the match having beaten home-favourite Gael Monfils at the quarter-finals stage in straight sets. The Swiss No.1 was in fine form against the Frenchman, recovering from a slow start to win 6-4, 6-3, 7-6.
It was by no means an easy victory for him, but the competitive edge of the contest would have helped his preparation for facing Djokovic and he will be fresh having progressed in three sets.
As for Djokovic, he progressed to the final four after scheduled quarter-final opponent Fabio Fognini pulled out of the tournament through injury.
This takes nothing away from the Serbian though as he would have been backed to win the match anyway. He is in such sublime form and could become the World No.1 if he defeats Federer this week.
Looking at the situation with regards to the records Djokovic is breaking in 2011, he will match John McEnroe’s best start to a year if he secures victory on Friday.
However, he will have to wait until the next tournament if he is to pass Guillermo Vilas record of 46 consecutive wins. It was thought he could acgueve this feat at Roland Garros, but the walkover against Fognini doesn’t count as a normal victory.
Overall, this is a clash everybody wanted to see at the semi-final stage with the winner likely to set up a final meeting with current World No.1 Rafael Nadal.
Both players have their motivations too, beyond the need to get to a Grand Slam final.
Federer will want to prove that he is still a major player in these tournaments and can defeat one of the younger generation, while Djokovic will simply be aiming to continue his incredible winning streak.
All in all, it is going to be quite a match on Friday and one which could last for five extraordinary sets.
Enjoy!
