We all wanted it. We are gonna get it. On Thursday, Rafa and Roger will meet once again. This time, it's not a final, but a semifinal. But it will be spectacular, with the added value of the match being played during the night session on AUSTRALIA DAY, the national holiday. We all know what that means: Somewhere in the fourth or fifth set, during a changeover before a crucial game, fireworks will go off over the melbourne skies, the fans will go crazy, TV will show the Melbourne skyline lit up by amazing lights, giving Rafa and Roger approximately 10 minutes of (un-) welcome pause. i personally love those fireworks, I remember those a couple of years ago when baghdatis defeated Nalbandian, or one year later when Tsonga downed Blake. I am so looking forward to it, as much as to the match itself.
Question is: Will the fireworks be on time? Because I have a slight hunch that Roger will beat Rafa in 3 sets. Hurry up, you pyromaniacs!!!
Truth be told: During this tournament, Roger (30 years, 5 months) looks like he's 25 again. Floating over the court, dancing from one corner to the other, unleashing his groundstrokes with precision and perfect Rolex timing. He somehow managed to turn back time. The old Roger with all the agility and class, only with more experience. That is how the creators of tennis intended the game to be played. Plus, he looks so calm and untouchable again. I can not imagine him freaking out now when seeing Rafa at the other side of the net.
Rafa also played quite a good tournament, but his doubts are visible in his eyes. His victory over Berdych was fantastic as well as agonizing. The match was a rollercoaster from the first to the third set. Rafa could have won the 1st and lost it. Berdych had set point in the second and missed a difficult volley when Rafa was doubting his game. In the tird, Berdych led by 1 break before Rafa fought back with pure will and class.
I absolutely adore Rafa and hope he will deliver, but at the moment I see Roger two steps above Rafa. Rafa made a bad tactical choice today by standing 20 miles behind the baseline when returning, and it took him over an hour to adjust his position. He can't afford the luxury of bad tactical choices against Roger. Yes, he beat the Swiss in the 2009 final. I hope he can do it again. But I would not bet on it.
Nevertheless, we have to acknowledge a great performance by both Rafa and Berdych, who was hammering at every ball as hard as he could.
In a few hours, Djokovic will face my buddy Daveeeeeeed Ferrer. I so wanna see Ferrer winning. He is the hardest worker in the circuit. i wish he could win a Grand Slam. Or even reach a final. Buena suerte, David!
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