French Open 2012 Final Nadal vs Djokovic: Watch Live Stream, Preview, Prediction
The 2012 French Open men's final will feature the world number one, Serbian Novak Djokovic, take on long-time rival and world number two Rafael Nadal, in Sunday's final in Paris.
The Spaniard has a stunning win-loss record at Roland Garros, having lost only once in the last eight years so far. More importantly, Nadal will be looking for a record seventh Roland Garros title - a feat that will make him the greatest French Open champion, in terms of title wins. He is now tied with the legendary Swede, Bjorn Borg, at six.
Djokovic, meanwhile, is gunning for his first ever French Open title and, if he wins, it will not be the only record he can grab. The Serb will also claim a career Grand Slam and the current holder of all four Slams; he will become only the third player in the history of tennis to claim that status and the second, in the Open era, after Rod Laver (1969)
What is not at stake, however, is the number one ranking. Djokovic will remain on top even if he loses the final, by virtue of being the most consistent player in the men's game, over the last 52 weeks. A Roland Garros title triumph, however, will make it easier for Nadal to catch him.
In addition, to his hugely impressive record in Paris, Nadal also has the edge over the Serb in terms of head-to-head meetings, leading 18-14. Despite the immovable object that Djokovic has become over the past couple of years, the King of Clay will remain the favourite in Paris, fact helped by the fact that unlike Djokovic, Nadal has dominated every opponent on his way to the final. This includes a 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 semifinal win over compatriot David Ferrer, himself a player highly respected on clay.
The Serb has struggled more than once to reach this stage. Djokovic was on the ropes and had to dig deep to save several match points against local boy Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarters and even Andreas Seppi, the 22nd seed, had the world number one on the back foot after taking a two set lead in the fourth round. However, Djokovic will not be short of confidence after hammering Roger Federer to win his semifinal 6-4, 7-5, 6-3.
Nadal goes into the final as the favourite, as he always is at Roland Garros. His last two clay court wins over Djokovic, his history of success at the venue and the Serb's clay court struggles justifies the Spaniard's favourite tag. However, if there is one thing you can predict about Djokovic, it is his determination. He knows what is at stake in this crunch clash and will be at his very best.
Prediction: Nadal in four sets
Where to Watch Live:
The match will be available live from 2 pm (BST) on ITV4 and SkyGo in the UK. US viewers can tune in to NBCSports.com. You can also follow all the action live on the tournament's official Web site, here. There will also be live text commentary on the BBC Sport Web site from 1.30 pm BST and live commentary from 2 pm BST on BBC Radio 5 live.
© Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.