2014 Monte Carlo Masters Semifinal: Djokovic v. Federer

[nehmeth]

Both had interesting quarters. Does Novak even the head to head or does Roger win this?

 

[Kieran]

Nole wins this one. Roger got him on an off-day in Dubai, but I think that Nole regrouped well today and he'll be better tomorrow.

Novak in straights...

 

[Moxie]

If they both start as rickety as they did today, it'll go three, and could depend on who rights the ship first. If they've gotten that out of their system, (temporary "contact upset-itis?") it might be a good match. Both should be motivated, as the winner of this SF is likely going to take the title, IMO. But I'm inclined to think the Serbian will prevail.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I think Novak will come out firing in this match up.He will not want to start slow.
Novak in straight sets.

 

[DarthFed]

I don't think Roger has much of a chance on a surface this slow. Roger had his chances on a slow hardcourt but this is quite a bit slower and higher bouncing than Indian Wells. Djokovic wins, only question is if it's 2 or 3 sets.

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

One may think the winner of this match will win it all.
I am going with Roger in 3 although this is really a toss-up in my mind, it could go the other way.

 

[Moxie]

So far, 2 picked Djokovic in 2, and 2 picked Federer in 3, but no one picked Djokovic in 3 or Fed in 2. Almost counter-intuitive.

 

[herios]

So far, 2 picked Djokovic in 2, and 2 picked Federer in 3, but no one picked Djokovic in 3 or Fed in 2. Almost counter-intuitive.

Make that 3 in straights for Novak

 

[Moxie]

So far, 2 picked Djokovic in 2, and 2 picked Federer in 3, but no one picked Djokovic in 3 or Fed in 2. Almost counter-intuitive.

Make that 3 in straights for Novak

You win the pool! (And that's kinda where I am. LOL.)

 

[Denis]

Nice opportunity for the fedster to win this title with Nadal out, but I don't think Novak will let him. High hopes for a second title here!

 

[GameSetAndMath]

I am going with Fed in three.

If Novak had played as good today as his first two matches, I would not have had the
courage to venture such a prediction. Today, Novak demonstrated that he is indeed
beatable.

Also, whether he wins it or not, Roger is sure to give all he got in this match as
Roger knows that this is one of his rare opportunities to hold the MC trophy and
when the Maestero gives his best, Novak has to step aside (and nurse his
wrist injury).

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

DUNNO/.

 

[tennisville]

I hope Roger comes out firing and takes the win as its the rare chance to add MC to his CV

 

[Front242]

^ Not only that, he's playing here for a points cushion he'll need with the extended break he plans on taking when Mirka gives birth. 1000 points would be a lot nicer than the points he'd get for losing to Novak.

 

[Front242]

I'm sure Roger would like to stay ahead in the h2h too but even at 17-17 is still fine considering the age gap and it's better than the h2h with Nadal and Murray.

 

[Riotbeard]

Novak in 2. He will be motivated, and I think the surface favors him at this point in their rivalry. You never know though...

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Novak in 2. He will be motivated, and I think the surface favors him at this point in their rivalry. You never know though...

I think 2011 FO surface also favored Novak.

 

[Riotbeard]

Novak in 2. He will be motivated, and I think the surface favors him at this point in their rivalry. You never know though...

I think 2011 FO surface also favored Novak.

I did say you never know, but I think Fed 2011 was probably better than Fed 2014, but you never know. Fed is obviously a good player, but if they both play the best tennis they are currently capable of, I give Novak a solid edge.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

So far, nobody voted Fed in 2 or Novak in 3.

 

[Moxie]

So far, nobody voted Fed in 2 or Novak in 3.

I believe I noted that above, and I think it's counter-intuitive. If Roger's going to win it, he's probably best served to come out fast and get Novak while he's still sleepy head, like today. If it goes 3, who thinks Novak won't win it? I feel it's hard to game this match, given how they both started today, but I'm just saying that the voting went against what I would have thought.