Semis

Hey everyone...Rafa wasted no time yesterday reaching the semis after a bludgeoning of Gonzo to finish their match. Play was suspended as Rafa was up a set and 3-2 in the tiebreak. He went on to win that tiebreak 7-2 and then the third set 6-0. I guess Gonzo didn't have his hotel booked any farther than Saturday and wanted to get out of New York.

This sets up a great semifinal day today for the men.

Fed/Novak

Obviously Federer is the favorite in this one. They've had a few days off which I think helps Novak a little because he seems to be the less fit of the two and those days off took fitness out of the equation. Maybe Todd Martin can whisper something in the ear of the young Serb and tell him to summon some of the guts he showed against Federer in the semis a few years ago in Australia....but I still don't think it's going to happen. Novak's game has been very erratic at times this year, especially on the forehand side. To me, this match is going to be all about who can take care of their serve. Federer is going to serve great, that is a given. If Novak can serve well, and put some kind of pressure of Roger in his own service games, then this match could be very interesting. If he starts double faulting and serving below 60%...look for Fed to roll.

My Pick: Federer in 4.

Rafa/Del Po

Del Po has looked like a force during this US Open...tomahawking forehands and serving better than I've ever seen. Rafa is having a "Rafa-esque" Grand Slam. He is physically a bit beat up...but is grinding through matches and winning. The knees seem fine, but now his abdominal strain is the cause for concern. However, it's only one match, and he only played for a half hour yesterday. Del Po has the game to hit through Nadal and punish his serve, especially if Rafa can only crank it up to that 105 mph range because of his abs. I believe the huge X factor in this match is going to be nerves for Del Po...he should have beat Fed in the French Open semis, but just thought about it too much in the big moments. Some of my brain also tells me to choose Del Po because he likes the ball up on his tall frame, and that's exactly the ball that Nadal is going to give him.

However, I never bet against heart, and no one has more than Rafa.

My Pick: Nadal in 5 bone crunching sets.

Tune in today to watch the semis and enjoy.

TT