OK, this will be the first match tonight. Who do you think is going to win?

I personally went for an A-Rod victory in the prediction, based on his ability to flatten things out, but it could just as well be Rafa, who certainly won't roll over easily.

I'm rooting for Rafa even tho I am american ;)

this is probably the second biggest match of the year after the AO SF between Fed and Roddick.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOO A ROD

its bright and sunny..so the courts will be fast..

did you see how back Nadal is..near the lines people..

1-1 0-15 on Andys serve come on Andy hold

Yes, we should be treated to two really good semifinals today.

I'm (slightly) rooting for A-Rod here, because I like him and am impressed by the way he came back after slipping early last year. I also think that a bit of a rivalry between #3 and #2 in the world would be exciting.

On the other hand, I have also defended Rafa in the past when people were basically writing him off, so I also don't mind him having a good run here.

I guess I'm just more impressed by what Roddick had to do to get here, as compared to Rafa (who basically ended up having a clay-court quarter ...)

I can't watch this ... but I imagine that, unless Rafa can read A-Rod's serve like Federer does, he will *have* to be far behind the baseline to have a chance at returning it ...

Roddick holds comfortably..

this is shaping up nicely..

woohoo Andy holds 2-1 come on

Roddick isnt even trying to rally..
he's going for an outright winner two or three shots in the rally..

looks like he's come with a gameplan..

Nadal holds comfortably

Roddick missed a few serves on his game..

2-2

0-30..

oh nooo 0-40 come on Andy hold

Thats it..

0-40 (df from Arod)..

its impertaive for roddick to win the first set..

else its over..

saves two with some big hitting..

30-40..

15-40

Looks like Nadal has the upper hand at the moment ... several break points for him (if my scoreboard isn't lying ... it's playing up at the moment).

30-40

roddick gets to the net and nets a sitting duck..

3-2..Nadal breaks

oooh - Nadal breaks..... :blink:

Hi DJ..

Seems like everyone's rooting for ARod..

But just as Federer exposes ARod's weaknesses, Rafa's doing the same..

I dont think ARod's got the game for Nadal..

hey up chet.

i don't really know who i'm rooting for here - not a big fan of either player. I think i'd probably prefer to see Nadal win, not sure why tho :blink:

Roddick is losing almost EVERY rally..

No chance in the Nadal's service game..

40-0..

roddick has to go for plan-b now or its over in quick time..

I like both players, but really want Nadal to get into his stride to stop Fed getting the upper hand on the clay season

No wonder ARod's a "one dimensional" player..

I agree with that Liam. I think it'd do Nadal's confidence the world of good to win this event :)

A Rod is 30-40 down :( come on Andy

he holds but Nadal leads 4-3 with a break

for 30-40 ARod serves three service winners and wins the game..

but its all Nadal now..

4-3

Roddick's volleys

Jimmy don't look happy roflmao :whistle:

Come on Rafa ... bye bye Roddick

I guess I overestimated A-Rod ... or underestimated Nadal for once.

Of course, this isn't over yet ... but if A-Rod gets broken this early, it's not a good sign.

I would have thought that, given his poor record against Fed, Andy would've been extra-pumped to show that he can beat Rafa.

Goooo, A-Rod!

roflmao roflmao that smilie is even funnier than his volleys roflmao

Nadal is just too solid on his serves..

Roddick just is unable to rally...

Roddick just stands there for Nadal to hit a passing shot!

roflmao

30-30 on Rafa's serve ... looks a bit closer now from the scores --- does it look that way watching as well? 40-30 :( Rafa holds --- A-Rod one game away from losing the first set ...

I would like to see this go to three sets at least --- I think this match-up deserves it.

Roddick is a cocky guy who shows off against weak opponents by serving hard..

When a tough opponent comes along, he gets beat..

this is looking routine..

maybe 6-4, 6-4..

no mjt..

the 30 all on Rafa's serve was due to UEs..

arod holds.. 5-4 Nadal to serve..

Nice to seee they're not showing darts on Sky Sports this evening :angry:

Am impressed with Nadal so far, I thought Roddick would win this one quite comfortably. Still, would be more than happy for that to be another wrong prediction.

5-4 now to Rafa.

Hey Chet

For once I agree with you! :hug:

He is a big show-off, but against the big guns he's useless :whistle: