Rafael Nadal was criticized for being lack-luster in his Round 1 match against John Isner but he has surely stamped his authority as the king of clay by winning his next three matches in straight sets. His quarter-final match against Robin Soderling will be a repeat of the 2010 final. Soderling has shown that he plays his best Tennis on clay courts over a period of time. His performance at the French Open and on clay courts has contributed a great deal to his rising to World no. 5. Soderling will be hoping that he gets another opportunity to play in the semis but beating Nadal will be a huge ask.
The most interesting aspect of this battle is that in the last six years at the French Open, only Robin Soderling has been able to defeat Nadal at the French Open. This will ring a lot of confidence in Soderling and some nerves in Nadal at the same time amounting to an exciting contest. The winner of this battle will play Andy Murray in the semi finals in all likelihood. Given the fact that Andy Murray has no special distinction on clay-courts, the winner from this match will have the confidence of making the finals post this clash.
It is a general feeling among ardent fans that post Djokovic’s consecutive triumphs over Nadal in the ATP events, his time at the apex of world rankings is coming to a close. Nadal can firmly challenge that opinion only by defeating Soderling comprehensively and stamp one final denial by beating Djokovic in the French Open final this year. It is easier said than done however and fatigue is likely to play a role. Djokovic has got an early walkover to the semis which means he will surely be fresh and ready to face Federer.
In the hassle of Djokovic vs Nadal, almost everybody has forgotten that it is after a all a three cornered fight. Roger Federer completed his quiet entry into the semi-finals yesterday as he beat Gael Monfils in three straight sets disappointing the home crowd utterly. Federer powered past Monfils with a score of 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7-3).
Andy Murray will play unseeded Juan Ignacio Chela in his quarter final match today as well. Murray has been troubled with a leg injury and the five-setter match against Viktor Troicki would have surely left him exhausted. Even in these circumstances, Chela will find it difficult to stand up to Murray’s onslaught. The winner will meet either Rafael Nadal or Robin Soderling.
