[g4YthYXx]

Since this match does not feature someone who played a 5 1/2 hour, five set match over the course of two days, I figured it was the better WHO YA GOT for the mens semifinals.

Some said that Roger's days of dominance might be coming to an end as Wimbledon approached, especially after he suffered that incredible defeat on clay at RG. Silly somes... all Roger needed was the comfort of grass to remind us why he is the most dominant player in ages. If not the GOAT. Hardly pushed this fortnight, he comes into this semi without having dropped a set against what can be called some solid competition.

Marat. He still hasn't caught that plane he has been talking about since last week. His attitude in his pressers indicates that he is playing pressure free, and not putting any expectations on himself. Instead, he is swinging freely, and having his best Wimbledon ever. 1st semi here (which also means he joins that elite circle of current players that have been to the semis of all 4 Slams - not even Rafa can claim that!).

H2H - 8-2 Federer. 2 prior matches on grass, both won by Federer, including R32 here last year.

[g4YthYXx]

It's been fun Marat. Real fun. Sorry it ends now.


BTW, I don't know why I forgot this, but Marat is only a year (and a few months) older than Roger. Doesn't it just seem like Safin has been around a lot longer?

[seodiary]

I think Marat might sneak out a tiebreak in one of the first two sets, if he blasts a few returns.

Other than that, I think it'll be Roger romping routinely into the final.

[Ettiominiw]

1st semi here (which also means he joins that elite circle of current players that have been to the semis of all 4 Slams - not even Rafa can claim that!).

Anyone know all of these guys off the tops of their head? Is Marat the lowest achieving of the bunch (in terms of GS wins)? I feel like Rafter's done this too.

[Zpxbawtz]

Anyone know all of these guys off the tops of their head? Is Marat the lowest achieving of the bunch (in terms of GS wins)? I feel like Rafter's done this too.

From active players only - Federer, Djokovic, Nalbandian, Safin.

[Ettiominiw]

From active players only - Federer, Djokovic, Nalbandian, Safin.

Nalbandian's definitely the lowest achieving then.

[Zpxbawtz]

I voted Roger in straight, but Marat might get one under favorable circumstances.

BTW this is Federer's 17th straight GS semi final. Roger owns many records already, but this one might be the hardest one to replicate. As far as I know the second best (open era) is Ivan Lendl with 9 straight.

[Ettiominiw]

I voted Roger in straight, but Marat might get one under favorable circumstances.

BTW this is Federer's 17th straight GS semi final. Roger owns many records already, but this one might be the hardest one to replicate. As far as I know the second best (open era) is Ivan Lendl with 9 straight.

That's just undeniably impressive. I think Martina N. got to 18 once and that was during a period of even greater dominance.

[DownloadADOBEsoftware]

I'm going for the underdog...

I think Marat has a great chance...he may feel like it's 2005 over again.

I'll definitely be watching with interest!

[Oxzzlvpg]

Good against Evil this match between The Chosen One versus Darth Federer is, hmmmm.....
Watch this one closely, I will.

[zlZ95pjt]

If Marat plays the tennis he's played so far in this event, and Raja plays the tennis he's played so far in this event, this match goes the distance and Marat wins.

But Raja is favored. Of course.

[beatrisio]

even thought its unlikely to last more than four sets, i can possibly see this match worsening the fatigue that Federer will feel in the fifth set in the final (reason #17 that Nadal will upset him this year)

[VeniHemealm]

I'd love Marat to win and will sacrifice something tonight, but I think the ride stops here.

Prove me wrong, please.

[km2000]

I'd love Marat to win and will sacrifice something tonight, but I think the ride stops here.

Prove me wrong, please.

Ooh, sacrificing. Good idea. I'm on it.

[Zpxbawtz]

I am sure this semi final will be more interesting than the other one. However, Roger's best > Marat's best so a lot of help Safin would need...

[Oberjej]

I kind of hope I'm wrong. And two days ago I had a nice little "what if" scenario for Marat. But I just don't see how it will be all that difficult for Roger to get inside Marat's head... On grass, no less.

[Oxzzlvpg]

I am sure this semi final will be more interesting than the other one. However, Roger's best > Marat's best so a lot of help Safin would need...

Speak like I do you now?

I think Marat's best is at par with Roger's best (AO '05). On grass, however, most likely that could change.

[VeniHemealm]

1 vote for Marat. Such a lonely number.

[Ettiominiw]

1 vote for Marat. Such a lonely number.

I would go for Marat but I'm becoming genuinely superstitious about these polls. Every time I pick something, the opposite thing happens (When I picked Feliciano to beat Marat in 4, that was the last straw). So I don't want to jinx Marat when he has everything going against him.

That said, I somehow have an inkling that Marat will win in 5. I can just picture it happening. But it probably won't.

[Falik]

I voted for Safin in 5. I think if Safin does win, it definitely will be in 5. Anything less than 5, I think it will be Federer. Safin might have lapses, but I don't think he'll choke. I actually think that in a match like this...if it's close, Safin will have the edge mentally. A quick start would be absolutely huge for Safin. Hold your serve in the beginning...let Roger know that it's going to be a long day.