In the first of yesterday's semi-finals, Rafa found himself pitched against one of his old junior buddies in Frenchman Richard Gasquet. He'd had a good week, as he'd beaten Feds and Berdych along the way, and whilst I didn't necessarily have those tummy wobbles yesterday, Reeshard pushed Rafa all the way with some lovely play.
It was nip and tuck during that first set, but Rafa got break points in the 10th game and broke with apparent ease. He faced a break point of his own in the next, but held firm and took the set 7-5. Whilst the first set was close, the second turned into something of breeze and Rafa romped away with it, 6-1.
So for once, the scheduling favoured Rafa, as he was off court by late afternoon and could spend a very relaxing evening in the hotel ... whilst he must have watched Murray and Djokovic slog the hell out of one another until midnight. It makes a pleasant change. After a dreadful first set, I thought it would be another walk in the park for Djokovic, but no ... Murray played a stormer. I could not have willed him on more when he stood to serve for the match, but a couple of double faults and the nerves obviously got to him. The match was decided on a tiebreaker in the third, and whilst Djokovic's unbeaten run continues, the length of time and effort it took to finish it was the second best result.
So for the fourth time, Rafa faces Djokovic in a final this year. This time, honey. Come on ................. DO it!!
It was nip and tuck during that first set, but Rafa got break points in the 10th game and broke with apparent ease. He faced a break point of his own in the next, but held firm and took the set 7-5. Whilst the first set was close, the second turned into something of breeze and Rafa romped away with it, 6-1.
So for once, the scheduling favoured Rafa, as he was off court by late afternoon and could spend a very relaxing evening in the hotel ... whilst he must have watched Murray and Djokovic slog the hell out of one another until midnight. It makes a pleasant change. After a dreadful first set, I thought it would be another walk in the park for Djokovic, but no ... Murray played a stormer. I could not have willed him on more when he stood to serve for the match, but a couple of double faults and the nerves obviously got to him. The match was decided on a tiebreaker in the third, and whilst Djokovic's unbeaten run continues, the length of time and effort it took to finish it was the second best result.
So for the fourth time, Rafa faces Djokovic in a final this year. This time, honey. Come on ................. DO it!!
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