Spanish Showdown Semis at the French Open: Nadal vs. Almagro

The all-Spanish showdown between Rafael Nadal and Nicolas Almagro promises to live up to every expectation.

Nadal enters the hot favourite at 1/16 to win outright while Almagro is the distinct puppy at 7/1.

Tennis punters had a preview of this billing only recently at the Madrid Masters. If both players play anywhere near that level we are in for a scintillating clash.

At the Madrid Open a few weeks ago Almagro happened on Nadal in the semi-finals and opened his best account against his compatriot, taking a set off Nadal and playing for all the world to see as if he weren’t afraid of beating him.

That audacious attempt lasted a set-and-a-half and was of course nipped in the bud by Nadal, as he is won’t to do. Nadal rallied to win in three sets and went on to win the Madrid title, beating Federer in the final.

Without waxing lyrical about Nadal overly, his highlights are: winning three Masters Shields in the lead up to the French Open, which includes winning a historic sixth consecutive career Monte Carlo title and a record-setting 18th career Masters title. He is also after winning his 200th career clay court match in the last 16 at the French Open. The word legendary might come to mind.

Oh lest we forget, Nadal is gunning for his fifth French Open title, seventh Grand Slam title in Paris. Oh, and another thing, with Federer dumped in the quarters, Nadal stands to take over the World No.1 ranking on Monday, providing he wins the title on Sunday. Just an interesting motivating tidbit.

Nadal takes a 6-0 lifetime edge over Almagro, which includes winning 14 of 16 sets played. The last time Nadal came across Almagro at the French Open it was two years ago, ironically in the quarters. At the time, Nadal annihilated Almagro 6-1, 6-1, 6-1.

Most expect Nadal to win this match and to win relatively convincingly; at the same time, most expect Almagro to account better than he ever has against Nadal.