Men's Singles at the 2013 French Open will see two of this generation's best, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, face off in the semifinals. Predictions have it that Nadal will dominate and put this match away in four sets. Here's why.
Clay is Nadal's court. He has won seven of the last eight years at Roland Garros and since clay is his specialty, he has completely dominated Djokovic on clay. So far in their careers, they have faced off 33 times. Nadal owns the lead 19-14. Of their 33 meetings, 15 have been on clay and Nadal's record against Djokovic is 12-3.
Djokovic will get the benefit of the doubt and will give Nadal somewhat of a challenge. Nadal will win in four sets though. Djokovic won the last match these two played on clay. It was Djokovic's first victory against Nadal after losing three straight meetings to the Spaniard. Nadal has been on a tear since returning from injury and there is no way he will lose in the in his favorite place to play.
For Djokovic, this victory is vital. Djokovic has won every single grand slam except for the French Open. In previous years, it was Nadal who fell victim to Djokovic as the Serb won the 2012 Australian Open, 2011 Wimbledon and U.S. Open titles. Djokovic just hasn't wrapped his hands around the title at Roland Garros and this could be his year if Nadal slips and doesn't bring his A-game.
For Nadal, he's trying to win his record-tying eighth French Open title. Max Decugis won eight titles back when only French players participated. Also, Nadal could win his fourth straight French Open title for the second time in his career, becoming the only man to do so in the history of the Open. Bjorn Borg accomplished the feat once, but Nadal could do it twice.
Prediction: Nadal advances to the finals where he will either meet David Ferrer or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
