This is the match the world is referring to as “the dream semifinal”, and people should certainly expect it to live up to the expectations. This is the match-up between the No.2 ranked Rafael Nadal, and the No. 3 ranked Novak Djokovic. Rafael Nadal who celebrated his 22nd birthday on Tuesday, is the undisputed king of the clay. On Thursday June 5th, 2008, Rafa will put his 25 match-winning streak on the line in the semifinals of this year’s French Open Roland Garros, against a very worthy opponent in Novak Djokovic.

Rafael Nadal has come into this year’s French looking very strong and determined to tie Borg’s mark of 4 consecutive French Open R.G. titles. So far, up to this point it’s very difficult to make the argument that the Spaniard has been close to being challenged. SBGglobal.com has Rafael Nadal a -500 betting odds favorite against Novak Djokovic (+350).

The betting odds favorite, Rafael seems to just be getting stronger as this tournament has progressed. Rafa is coming off one of his most impressive wins in this year’s French. Nadal total overpowered his countryman, Nicolas Almagro in straight sets (6-1, 6-1, 6-1). Meanwhile, his counterpart, Djokovic, is coming off a quarterfinals victory over Ernests Gulbis in what became an all out war for every point (7-5, 7-6, 7-5). This is a match that belongs in the finals, it will be a highly contested battle of wills.       

My French Open R.G. Prediction: Rafael Nadal -500

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