2022 Roland Garros Semifinals: Rafael Nadal vs. Alexander Zverev

[don_fabio]

The only way Zverev has any chance here is to bring his A game early on and try to snatch that first set. It's hard for me to gauge Zverev's level. Even though he won against Alcaraz he got a lot of help from the kid. Is he going going to ride high on that or fold against the king of clay?

Rafa is not going to help Zverev, but I am hoping for a good fight.

Nadal in 4.

 

[Moxie]

The only way Zverev has any chance here is to bring his A game early on and try to snatch that first set. It's hard for me to gauge Zverev's level. Even though he won against Alcaraz he got a lot of help from the kid. Is he going going to ride high on that or fold against the king of clay?

Rafa is not going to help Zverev, but I am hoping for a good fight.

Nadal in 4.

He has to come in completely focused on winning the first set, and basically not miss a first serve...for the entire match. He has nothing else to beat Rafa with. His BH is his best shot, but Rafa has been working on beating Novak's BH for a decade+. His net game is weak, and I don't see him beating Nadal at the baseline over 5 sets on clay. And then there is his weak head, which Rafa will crush.

 

[rafanoy1992]

He has to come in completely focused on winning the first set, and basically not miss a first serve...for the entire match. He has nothing else to beat Rafa with. His BH is his best shot, but Rafa has been working on beating Novak's BH for a decade+. His net game is weak, and I don't see him beating Nadal at the baseline over 5 sets on clay. And then there is his weak head, which Rafa will crush.

All I know is I am gonna do the sign of the cross and believe, no?

One point at a time for me, no?

 

[Moxie]

All I know is I am gonna do the sign of the cross and believe, no?

One point at a time for me, no?

I'm not getting ahead of myself, just blustering. I'll be wearing my lucky shirt, never fear.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I'm not getting ahead of myself, just blustering. I'll be wearing my lucky shirt, never fear.

I will be able to get out my special rosary beads blessed by the Pope seeing I am not working

 

[Moxie]

Aside from all of the superstitions, I'm going to keep in mind that Rafa already beat Novak. In 4.

 

[don_fabio]

I will be able to get out my special rosary beads blessed by the Pope seeing I am not working

Your rosary beads are working good so far. I need to start with something while watching Novak.

 

[Vince Evert]

Nadal to win in 4 setter. World doughnuts day as well as Nadal's birthday so will
the french federation present Rafa with a cake and doughnut once the match is over?

 

[Vince Evert]

Happy Birthday Rafa ! Nice compilation of Nadal, Federer and Djokovic a.o. when they were kids i think you'll enjoy...

 

[kskate2]

It's raining and the roof is closed for this match.

 

[don_fabio]

It's raining and the roof is closed for this match.

yeah, wasn't it supposed to be sunshine?

 

[don_fabio]

Strong start from giraffe.

 

[kskate2]

yeah, wasn't it supposed to be sunshine?

actually I think it was forecasted to rain today.

 

[don_fabio]

real zverev emerged. even lost a racket from a hand and threw a few mishits 10 meters out.

 

[Moxie]

And he's started with the DFs.

 

[rafanoy1992]

Ugh! Nadal needs to capitalize on these break points!

 

[rafanoy1992]

Uh-oh, love-30 on Nadal's serve now. Nadal's nerves have creeped in now...

 

[don_fabio]

nadal is drenched in sweat. umpire is giving him a lot of time already, but rafa is asking for more?

 

[don_fabio]

and i forgot to mention when zverev goes awol he is a pain to watch.

 

[Moxie]

I think Rafa still looks a bit flat today, so far. Not a lot of fizz. Hopefully, he takes it up a gear soon.