Just like last year, the French Open draw set up a potential match between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. Just like last year, both made it to the semifinals and just like last year, the winner will play Rafael Nadal in the final at Roland Garros.
Both Federer and Djokovic struggled in their quarterfinals match against Juan Martin del Potro and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, respectively.
Djokovic had to fight off four match points and stage a furious rally to overcome the French star in five sets, while Federer came back after losing the first two sets and dominated en route to the semis.
Last year, Federer got the best of Djokovic and ended the Serb's 43-match winning streak. But Djokovic has been on a roll as of late, winning the last three Grand Slams.
Will Djokovic earn an opportunity to win his fourth straight Grand Slam? Or will history repeat itself allowing Federer to get a shot at winning a 17th title?
Follow our live blog for updates.
| @ BenRothenberg : Per Ted Robinson, Roger Federer will have now missed 8 of the last 9 Slam finals. Mortal stuff from the GOAT. #rg12 |
Federer returns Djokovic's serve into the net and DJOKOVIC WINS IT TO MAKE THE FRENCH OPEN FINAL.
Djokovic hits a fantastic backhand on a tough angle to make it 40-15 Djokovic. MATCH POINT FOR DJOKOVIC.
Federer couldn't return Djokovic's overhead slam and hits it into the net. 30-15 Djokovic. Two points away..
Djokovic catches Federer out of position and hits a forehand winner to Federer's backhand side. 15-15.
Federer takes the game with an amazing lob shot that sailed right over Djokovic at the net and in. 5-3 Djokovic now.
Djokovic hits a beautiful forehand winner cross-court. Federer had no shot at getting to that one. But Federer comes right back with a forehand winner of his own. 40-30 Federer.
Djokovic hits a lob over Federer. Federer thought it was going out but it clearly landed in. Djokovic takes the 15-0 lead.
|
| @ BenRothenberg : Story of this match: Roger Federer has committed 46 unforced errors to only 14 from Novak Djokovic. #rg12 |
Federer hits one long again. And now Djokovic is leading 5-2 and one game away from the French Open final.
Djokovic hits a 112 MPH ace to take a 30-0 lead. Then he forces Federer to chase down his backhand and return it into the net.
40-0 Djokovic.
Federer has 45 unforced errors in this match. And 10 of them in the third set already...
Federer hits two shots into the net and Djokovic breaks him again. 4-2 Djokovic in the third set.
Djokovic takes a quick 15-40 lead. Another break point coming. But Federer nails a forehand winner to make it 30-40 Djokovic.
|
| @ BenRothenberg : Perspective: how many others who prefer fast courts bother to reach the semis in Paris past age 30? Federer still impressive that way. #rg12 |
Federer goes to the net and Djokovic tries to lob one over him but fails. Federer hits an overhead slam. 40-15 Djokovic.
Djokovic comes to the net for a volley, but then Federer comes to the net and tries to get one by Djokovic but he returns it with a slam to take the 15-0 lead.
Loading comments… 
Posted: 06/08/2012 10:36 am Updated: 06/08/2012 11:10 am