ROLAND GARROS, FRANCE

[2] Rafael Nadal (ESP) got to his twelfth French Open final today; however, going into this match, Nadal had lost the last five matches to his opponent, [3] Roger Federer (SUI). This would be their thirty-ninth meeting and despite their recent record, Nadal had never lost to Federer at Roland Garros. Their rivalry dates to 2004, with Nadal winning their very first encounter. Interesting, while the Spaniard has beaten Federer on his beloved grass at Wimbledon; Federer has never been able to beat the Spaniard on his beloved clay at Roland Garros.

Nadal will now await the winner of the match between [1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) and [4] Dominic Thiem (AUT), which was suspended today because of inclement weather (rain and wind).

Nadal’s record against his final obstacles

Nadal has a losing record to Djokovic, 26:28; however, he has a winning record against Thiem, 8:4. The pressure will all be on Nadal’s shoulders as he goes for his twelfth French Open title. He knows that he will have to bring his best, mentally and physically, if he hopes to win the title.

Despite his dominance at Roland Garros, many believe that he is still vulnerable against Djokovic; however, I think the Spaniard wants to prove differently and is ready for the battle. Thiem may be feeling good about his chances since he recently defeated Nadal in Barcelona. The inclement weather may have aided Nadal’s cause, since he gets a full day of rest, while both of his potential opponents will have to play three consecutive days and mental if not physical fatigue may become an issue.

A lot is at stake for the three remaining players: Thiem is motivated to win his first major title; Djokovic is motivated to win his sixteenth major title and hold all four majors at the same time for the second time in his career; and Nadal wants to win his eighteenth major title and twelfth French Open title.

SOURCE OF IMAGES: Zimbio.com (Getty Images Europe)