37 Slams between them as Roger Federer v Rafael Nadal headlines Friday’s popcorn matches
With just two women’s and two men’s semi-finals scheduled in for Friday’s play at the French Open, James Spencer has decided to simmer it down into the two must watch popcorn clashes.
Amanda Anisimova vs Ashleigh Barty (8)
Both players here are in their maiden Grand Slam semi-final, and that makes it an interesting match-up if nothing else does.
17-year-old Anisimova was in superb form in the quarter-finals as she stunned Simona Halep to send the defending champion crashing out.
Meanwhile, Australian Barty destroyed Madison Keys in her match, which ws simply a continuation of her increasingly authoritative form in 2019.
Barty has won the Miami Masters earlier in the year, so she will be slightly more experienced in big matches, but Anisimova is playing fearless and inspired tennis and could well go all the way.
Roger Federer (3) vs Rafael Nadal (2)
The ambassadors of our sport will face off for the 39th time as Federer’s continues his fine French Open comeback.
Both players have only dropped a set each on their way to the semis, with Nadal losing a set to David Goffin and Federer to his compatriot Stan Wawrinka in their brilliant quarter-final.
Federer is unbeaten in his last five matches against Nadal stretching back to 2014 but Court Philippe Chatrier is the Spaniard’s own backyard and he is so difficult to beat on this surface.
Hopefully, we’ll be in for a treat on Friday.
Follow James Spencer on Twitter @JamesTennis17
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
Latest
-
ATP TourPablo Carreno Busta claims his first ATP Tour title on home soil
Pablo Carreno Busta claimed his first ATP Tour title on home soil after edging compatriot Jaume Munar.
-
Kevin PalmerExclusive – Coaching legend Nick Bollettieri on the new tool that could transform the game
In the opinion of tennis coaching legend Nick Bollettieri, Slinger Bag has a huge role to play in what comes next at all levels of the game.
-
WTA TourWorld No.1 Ashleigh Barty is beaten in straight sets in shock defeat
Unseeded Spaniard Paula Badosa upset world number one Ashleigh Barty in straight sets to progress to the semi-finals.
-
Kevin PalmerExclusive – Coaching legend Nick Bollettieri on the looming crisis in tennis
Legendary tennis coach Nick Bollettieri believes tennis needs to rebrand the sport quickly to avoid a huge drop off in interest.
-
ATP TourNovak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal kept apart in draw for Monte Carlo Masters
Novak Djokovic has avoided a possible meeting with Rafael Nadal until the final of the Monte Carlo Masters.
-
Tennis FeaturesDaniil Medvedev needs strong clay-court season after previous struggles on the red dirt
Daniil Medvedev eyes fix for his clay woes, writes Oli Jefford.
-
ATP Tour‘I am really happy proud of myself,’ says Lorenzo Musetti after saving four match points against Dan Evans
Musetti fights back to see off Evans in Sardegna.
-
WTA TourAshleigh Barty and Coco Gauff roll on in Charleston, Garbine Muguruza bows out through injury
Wins for Barty and Gauff, but Muguruza out.
-
Tennis NewsNovak Djokovic’s father takes fresh swipe at Roger Federer, saying Swiss great is ‘not a good man’
Srdjan Djokovic has another go at Roger Federer.
-
French OpenFrench player hits out at French Open postponement, saying ‘it’s a pretty selfish decision’
Alize Cornet unimpressed by French Open delay.