Rafael Nadal, the “King of Clay going for his ninth French Open takes on the mighty Serbian maestro in Novak Djokovic as they fight it out in the Final for both the title and the number one ranking in world tennis.
The men’s singles final is finally here. It is the best possible matchup we could of asked for!
This promises to be a titanic struggle between two legends of the sport. This time last year Rafa was preparing for the final against David Ferrer after he beat Djokovic in an epic five setter in the semi final.
However this year it is different and as expected the top two seeds have made there way past everyone else and into this Final. Both players have made the final so comfortably, both just dropping three sets between them on route towards this match. For Rafa he has just been professional throughout the tournament.
After suffering from a suspected back problem mid way through the tournament, he has responded magnificently with amazing wins over Lajovic, Ferrer and Murray.
Djokovic has again been impressive right from the outset where we covered his match against Joao Sousa. Cilic took a set off him in the third round, however an inspiring performance over Tsonga and classy finishes against Raonic and Gulbis have him well prepared for this final.
Rafa has to go in as favourite with his record on this court.
In saying this Djokovic will take some confidence out of his come from behind win at Rome, where he beat Nadal in the final. Head to head between the two are very tight with Rafa slightly in front 22-19 although Djokovic is pegging back this margin as the rivalry goes on.
This will be a long and tough final for both players and magnificent to watch for the spectators. Court Philippe Chatrier has seen some brilliant matches both in the past and at this years tournament so far (none better than the Women’s Final last night). However todays match promises to be the best chance Djokovic will have a winning a French Open title. He comes into this match with the confidence that he can beat Rafa on clay and that he is therefore good enough to get the number one ranking back from Nadal.
A great match is in stall for us but Rafa might be too good yet again and win his ninth title here at Roland Garros.
Prediction:
Nadal to win in five tight sets.
Johnno
Guest
Thos blokes are all better than Warinka. Add Safin in the mix too. Nalbandian is better than Warinka too. As was Rios. And also Juan Carlos Ferrero and Kurten were around. Fed didn't have flat track bullies. But Nadal had more comp in Novak and Murray. However in saying that i'm not so certain Murray is any better than Hewitt or Safin in there primes. Kuerten was awsome on clay, Ferrero was no 1 for a while. Scud was handy at times when fit.
Frankie Hughes
Guest
Federer the weak era bully? He won most of his majors vs the no hopers. Roddick, the Scud, Hewitt.
Johnno
Guest
Well if only Sampras wasn't born Agassi would be the best, if only Fed wasn't around Nadal would of won more as would Safin, if only if only if only. Reality is Fed is not even top 5 all time on clay maybe top 10. Wilander,Thomas Muster Brugera,Agassi all better than Fed on clay.
Luffy
Guest
I did, only because he ran into best ever player ON CLAY. He has 16 Grand Slams spread around the other three Slams. He was always in French Open Finals, beaten by Nadal. GOAT should be an all encompassing pick. Not a player who dominates only at one event.
Johnno
Guest
Federer only has 1 French open title on clay. But you left that out.
Luffy
Guest
Nadal is the best ever...on clay, and only on clay. If it wasn't for the dirt of France he'd have just 5 Grand Slams. How can he then be calls the GOAT? Ridiculous.
Frankie Hughes
Guest
The same US Open that Nadal's beaten Djokovic twice?
Tim
Guest
You cannot really include Nole's results against Rafa on clay for it is Rafas best surface, and Nole's worse. The US Open has credibility, but lets see how Rafa goes with Nole at the nest two slams, on surfaces favouring Nole
Johnno
Guest
Nadal could of won the OZ this year. He was injued vs Wrainka and lost the final. He could be on 15 slams now. Laver not including in best ever, as he peaked before open era. But since then Nadal is the man. Nadal won an Olympic gold medal in singles, Fed has won Olympic doubles. Nadal best ever singles player since Laver, maybe better than Laver even.
Frankie Hughes
Guest
TBH today might be the day the Nadal-Djokovic rivalry was settled. Yes Djokovic might win the Bo3 set matches, but he's now lost 4 major meetings in a row vs Nadal(RG2012, RG13, USO13 & RG14) Aside for that 7 month period in 2011-12, Nadal's had the better on Djokovic over Bo5 sets. IMO if Nadal retains the USO and wins a second Australian open. That seals his spot as the greatest ever. He doesn't need to get 17 or 18 majors. His superior record vs Federer, Djokovic and Murray compensates for that.
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
I agree he is better than Federer, merely for Fedex cannot beat him in a Grand Slam, on any surface. But is he the best ever? If he wins a few more slams away from the Paris dirt, and beats Nole in them, then it will be very hard to discount him
Frankie Hughes
Guest
Nadal's the greatest of all time. He's setting records that will take lifetimes to break. Federer must be thanking his lucky stars Soderling took Nadal out in 2009, otherwise Federer would never have won the French Open
Rob na Champassak
Roar Guru
Rafa, c'est lui le roi! They need to rename this tournament...
Will Taylor
Roar Guru
In Conclusion, Rafael Nadal has won the 2014 French Open over Novak Djokovic in four sets. Nadal was victorious 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in a mammoth match which was mentally and physically demanding! Now we move onto Wimbledon but first thanks for joining me on the Roar this evening where history was made on Philippe Chatrier! Nadal too good over Djokovic.
Turnover
Roar Guru
Agreed.
Johnno
Guest
Bring back day finals to OZ open.
Will Taylor
Roar Guru
What am unbelievable performance by the 'King of Clay' who has won his 9th French open title over Novak Djokovic this afternoon. It was a great match that lasted four tight and unpredictable sets. Djokovic tried his heart out but in the end Nadal was just too good. He is incredible on clay and he world Novak over today. This is now his 14th Grand Slam title and his fifth in a row at Roland Garros. Just an extraordinary sportsman of the modern era who will go down as one of the greats of world sport. This is an amazing feat by the Spaniard.
Will Taylor
Roar Guru
What an unbelievable performance by the 'King of Clay' who has won his 9th French open title over Novak Djokovic this afternoon. It was a great match that lasted four tight and unpredictable sets. Djokovic tried his heart out but in the end Nadal was just too good. He is incredible on clay and he world Novak over today. This is now his 14th Grand Slam title and his fifth in a row at Roland Garros. Just an extraordinary sportsman of the modern era who will go down as one of the greats of world sport. This is an amazing feat by the Spaniard.
Will Taylor
Roar Guru
Game - Set - Match and CHAMPIONSHIP - RAFAEL NADAL.
Will Taylor
Roar Guru
Game - Nadal. Rafa holds off a gritty Djokovic in that game and continues his advantage in this set and the match. He leads 5-4 on serve however Djokovic is now forced to hold serve now otherwise Rafa will have the title. Nadal 5-4.