Nadal will face a resurgent Federer on his favorite surface.
Nadal will face a resurgent Federer on his favorite surface. Reuters

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If a man living in the past was to look at today's French Open agenda, he wouldn't think twice about predicting the winners. He would pick Roger Federer to beat Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal to trounce Andy Murray in the semifinals at the Roland Garros.

However, If he was to glance through the papers afterwards, imagine his surprise at seeing Djokovic labeled as the favorite against a 16-time grand slam champion, let alone his shock at finding out that the Serb is on the verge of equalizing the legendary John McEnroe's winning streak.

Baloney is something along the lines of what he might say - a phrase which could be repeated when he reads about the possibility that Nadal could actually lose on clay today.

Yet, that is how things stand. Djokovic has Federer in an unfamiliar spot as the underdog. The Serb has won 41 games on the trot and defeating Federer will also gift him the No.1 spot in the world rankings, even if Nadal wins the French Open. Also a rare four-day rest before the semi, as his opponent in the quarterfinals - Fabio Fognini - retired with injury, leaves him somewhat fresh before Federer's challenge.

Such is the manner of Djokovic's surge that many experts have written pages, trying and failing to find a chink in his armor. It seems the only way he could slow down now is if the streak strains him physically.

On the other hand, Federer seems to be enjoying his low-key role. Though he produced an uncharacteristic number of unforced errors against Gael Monfils in the quarterfinals, he got through in straight-sets. He also impressed against Janko Tipsaravic in round three, after which he cruised past Stanislas Wawrinka in the fourth.

For all you know, the less pressure that comes with being an underdog could be what propels him in the semis. It'll help send out a reminder that he is still a force to be reckoned with. Also bear in mind that he has a history of ending streaks - Pete Sampras' four-year Wimbledon reign and Nadal's 81-match unbeaten run on clay.

In the other semi, British number one, the moody yet talented Andy Murray, will be optimistic of his chances against world number one Rafael Nadal.

Murray injured his ankle in the third round, but has battled into the semis, getting past Argentine Chela in straight-sets in the the quarterfinals. Though he has looked off his best, he will be motivated with the knowing that he won't have a better chance to defeat Nadal.

However, beating the Spaniard is a tough ask in any circumstance. He did struggle against John Isner in the first round, and has looked far from his best in the tournament this year. But he was impressive against Robin Soderling in the quarterfinals, beating him in straight sets after a display which would have raised the spirits of his supporters. What would have raised their hopes even more was the manner in which he celebrated that win. The world number one was pumped up and it wasn't an encouraging sign for his opponents.

One thing is for certain. It is a day no Tennis fan will want to miss. The top four seeds all battle it out in the semis, with more than just the title in mind. Murray will want his first and elusive grand slam title, Nadal will want to equal Bjorn Borg's record of French Open titles, Djokovic has the streak, the title as well as the world number one spot on offer while Federer will want to add number 17 to his grand slam trophy cabinet.

It can't get any better.