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The semifinals are almost set for tomorrow’s action at the Monte Carlo Masters 1000 tennis tournament. Currently, Djokovic is locked in a battle with Garcia-Lopez of Spain and has lost the first set, 4-6, and they are on serve in the second. This one will have to go three for Nole to prevail…will he succumb and be upset victim number two today? Stay tuned…
First upset is somewhat of a shocker (although it has happened before) as world number one and eight time winner of this event, Rafael Nadal lost to fellow countryman David Ferrer in straight sets, 6-7, 4-6. It was long with almost endless rallies between these two clay court specialists and Nadal was just off a bit, Ferrer was on, the energizer bunny type player that he always is. Great win for Ferrer who will move on to play Stan Wawrinka tomorrow. Wawrinka took care of M. Raonic in straight sets, 7-6, 6-2. Stan the man is finally looking like the guy who took out Djokovic down under and went on to defeat Nadal for his first Grand Slam title.
The crazy match of the day involved the great one, Mr. Federer, and J. Tsonga of France. Fed has had some difficulties with Tsonga in the past and today was no exception. But as well as Tsonga played, Federer really struggled, especially in the first set and one could see frustration setting in. He even received a code violation for swatting a ball out into the Mediterranean sea after one of his more frustrating missed shots. (Highly unusual for Roger) However, he continued to battle and hang around like all great champions do. Dropping the first set and twice broken, 2-6, the second set went to a tie break. He had numerous break point opportunities but failed to convert. (0/15 at the end of set number two) He had an early opportunity to win the second set tie break and squandered it only to finally prevail (8-6) and send it to a third set. Sweet sixteen rolled around, and Federer broke Tsonga for the first time and then broke him again and rolled to a decisive 6-1 victory in the third set. He advances 2-6, 7-6, 6-1 and awaits the winner of Djokovic – Garcia Lopez! Sloppy win for Federer, 2/19 on break opportunities, 40/45 as far as winners/unforced errors…but a win is a win. He is into the semifinals (has never won this event) and getting some good clay court tennis action under his belt. Hoping for a Djokovic – Federer semifinal? Perhaps a Federer – Wawrinka final, or another epic Wawrinka – Djokovic match (they have played some great ones!) Well, I of course am hoping for Federer, Federer, and then Federer!!
Update: Djokovic through in three sets over Garcia-Lopez, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1. So…we will get a Federer – Djokovic semifinal tomorrow!! (Other semi will feature Ferrer vs. Wawrinka)
