Well, that’s crappy for you guys; for once we have coverage in Canada.

On the other hand, it’s going fast towards another Rafa win, not quite a rout, but a domination for sure.

Rafa’s too good here. He’s on fire!

Yes, this is completely awful. I am able to watch online (although a poor quality feed).

channelsurfing.net

Only the second of many French Open links is actually running as far as I can tell. I hope this helps someone.

Or you can just try this:

http://www.justin.tv/live/channel_popout?channel=comunidadepalmeirastv1

Jane,

I’d say it’s safe to call it a rout at this point (insofar as I can predict the future).

Sean,

I don’t think Novak will retire, lol, but I bet he’d like to! He’s really being schooled by Rafa. He’s disheartened, making a whack of errors.

He’s not executing any kind of game plan now either - yet Rafa is still playing every point like he usually does.

I am watching the Nadal-Djokovic match on http://www.justin.tv/france33

But guys, you are not missing anything. It is now 6-4, 6-2 and I think Nadal just broke Djoko in the third set. I am not watching it avidly. I just glance at the computer every now and then to see if it is over. It is basically done. Djoko, for all it cockiness in not really quite in the level of Nadal and Federer. A solid 3rd but not really quite consistent enough to join the other two for a tennis trinity.

Even more ludicrous is when ESPN or Tennis Channel DO show live coverage while a big match like Rafa/Djokovic is going on, just not that match, and then repeatedly tell us how they can’t say anything about it.

Ra,

Okay, call it a rout now - agreed.

grammar correction: …for all his cockiness is not really quite… hehehe!

NBC is screwing this up because they paid for the coverage of the semifinal and final matches. NBC is the Darth Vader of tennis TV coverage.

Holy lord, Djokovic broke Nadal! It’s a miracle!!! Ha!

Djokovic seems to have figured out how to come to net. Are we gonna see an actual tennis match now?

What’s happening, Djoko has break points against Rafa!!

I think the break then hold gave Novak and iota of hope, but let’s face it, it’s a hope in hell.

The match is still over.

That was the longest game of the match thus far.

Novak is back to how he played in the first set here, and Rafa is maybe slightly off concentration wise. The second set was all Rafa and no Djok. Get it?

Am I the only one finding this match totally hilarious? Maybe it’s the sleep deprivation…

For example, Novak just inadvertently did a little Sharapova dance…

And I’m pretty sure someone just yelled “allez, Monfils”.

Ra:

I’m sleep deprived too, except I can’t see anything on TV. Everytime my head nods, I see game over, another game for Rafa.

jane:

“The second set was all Rafa and no Djok. Get it?”

I get the pun, no Djok. Will Rafa do a brake dance?

I can’t imagine the circumstance that allowed this match NOT to be on TV. What kind of contractual blunder would it take?

I am listening to it on Roland Garros web radio. At least it sounds like we did not miss much of a match so far.

Von,

you aren’t missing much unless you were hoping to see someone get demoralized and then get it together too late.

jane,

you are silly.

ChipNCharge,

you can watch it here, i swear:

http://www.justin.tv/live/channel_popout?channel=comunidadepalmeirastv1

Djoko broke Rafa in the 10th game. Oh wow!!

I know, silly but also sleep deprived like you Ra, and you Von.

Nice to see Novak make a push here, alas, too late. But nice nonetheless.

Ra:

“Ra Says:
And I’m pretty sure someone just yelled “allez, Monfils”.”

Must be Justine Henin.

Yay, it actually does look like a match now. Would love to see this go to at least a 4th set…

Good one, Von. It could’ve been Mauresmo. I saw her sitting out there.

Djoko is building up steam coming down to the home stretch, or is it for Wimby — an I also ran.

Finally after the 3rd game in the 3rd set, Djoko is giving us some tennis. First time ever in the match, he is leading 6-5. This is something to be consoled about just a bit, though he might still lose in straight sets.

Ra,

I agree; a 4th would be nice. Not like Novak could pull three sets in a row out of his hat, but 1 would be good!

Shital:

Never say die!!

Morning Shital - have you arrived to commiserate?

jane:

The poor huckleberry has shown some heart!!

Nadal is steamrolling in the tie-break.

Shital:

Have you had your morning coffee as yet? You’ll need your java jolt.

And here I’d have thought Djokovic might have an edge in a tiebreak…

6-0?! This is insane.

Lousy NBC is now showing the Nadal/Djokovic match. What superb timing — they’ve taken all the fun out of the broadcast.

Yes, some heart but not enough. Rafa just too good and Novak not playing his best today. He’ll learn from this though, so that’s good.

Anyhow, Congrats to Rafa!! Undefeated EVER at RG.

I haven’t seen his number 1 fan Zola around. But I bet she’s smiling!

Von,

did NBC join in live or are they showing it from the beginning?

Assuming Federer makes it through to the finals, if he does somehow manage an upset, there’ll be no room for talk about how Novak wore down Rafa for him.

Ra,

Novak definitely didn’t wear out Rafa, even though sets one and three were competitive so there should be no talk about that. But do you really think Roger can win it? Take 3 sets from Rafa?

jane,

I think Roger is absolutely capable of doing so. Chances of him actually doing it: not so good…

I’m pulling for him tomorrow, though, and will not be surprised either way.

Roger’s match coming right up; they players are already coming on court for warm up. Bet this one is straight sets for Roger too. Then he and Rafa should be on equal footing for the final in terms of rest.

thank you nadal. time to face the only player who can give you a run for your money!

Ra,

Yes. You’re right; Roger has shown, in the past but even in just this year, that he is totally capable of beating Rafa on clay. I just wonder if Roland Garros is something altogether different. He’s got a shot tomorrow. We’ll see.

I’d be happy to see Rafa win four and equal Borg, but I’d be happy for Roger to finally get the French (wow - never thought I’d say that!)

I’m still pulling for Rafa to win the whole thing. Then he’ll match Borg’s 4 at the French the way Roger matched Borg’s 5 at Wimbledon. Rafa’s earned it and he deserves it.

Ra:

NBC is showing the match from the beginning. They waited until the last point of the live match to begin the broadcast. What a disservice to the viewers — it’s a different feeling once the results are known. None of the breathless anticipation.

“You cannot be serious!”

NBC has the gall to call rerunning that match “Live” coverage.

Looks like it’s low-res foreign language coverage or bust for this next match, too.

Federer will probably give Rafa a more competitive match but Rafa will still win. Rafa’s game on clay has actually improved and is even more formidable now. Federer’s game, on the other hand, has been showing consistent, albeit gradual, deterioration in the last couple of years. I used to marvel at how beautiful he plays the game but I do not seem to get that sense anymore. What is glaring to me is his break point conversion which I think has been horrible lately. Does anybody know his breakpoint conversion in the past two years compared with the two years previous to that? I know there are very knowledgable bloggers on this site who can help with this question. I keep hoping that the TV commentators would say something about that but they do not even seem to notice them. They are all very bad commentators anyway. A lot of people on this site could probably commentate better than those guys.

Ra:

The Fed/Monfils match will be a delayed broadcast also. A lot of this is to earn more revenue for live streaming. Such robbery.

jane,

“I’d be happy to see Rafa win four and equal Borg, but I’d be happy for Roger to finally get the French (wow - never thought I’d say that!)”

Are you coming on to me? Seriously, though, I’d feel happy for either of them. I’d rather see Federer win tomorrow, though, because I can imagine Rafa stringing together another 4 starting next year, whereas I cannot imagine Roger’s chances getting better as time goes on…

Von,

NBC sucks red clay covered tennis balls.

“A lot of people on this site could probably commentate better than those guys.”

Testing, 1, 2, 3.

Hi Jane and Von,
Thank you for your condolences through out my mo(u)rning period. Your kind words certainly helped me get over my heavy heart. I am recuperating all right. This is certainly not the end. About time to enjoy the next match over a “java jolt.”

Von,

” A lot of this is to earn more revenue for live streaming.”

Can you even buy live streaming for this anywhere? I’m watching it live for free. It ain’t pretty, though.

Ra:

****”Von, NBC sucks red clay covered tennis balls.”***

Somebody’s very angry. I angry too — I lost a few hours sleep. We should bill NBC for lost time.

Von,

“A lot of this is to earn more revenue for live streaming. Such robbery.”

You think so? If you’re correct, that’s terrible. I feel for you guys. For once, we actually have the coverage. TSN has picked up an Australian feed (super signal it’s called i believe) and NBC will be showing the matches later.

Fed already up a break!

Shital:

I like your pun on mo(u)rning. Get your java jolt. I could do with an IHOP breakfast right about now.

It is absolutely asinine that the semifinals aren’t going to be shown live. Yes, I could watch livestream, but why should I try to watch a tennis match on my computer screen when I SHOULD be able to watch it on my TV - a Grand Slam semi no less.

Anyway, that last set of Rafa-Djoker had no business going to a teibreak. Nadal was broken twice that set, if not broken, he would have won it 6-1 or 6-2. Unnecessary drama from Rafa there.

Go Rafa and Ana for the titles!

“tiebreak” I meant, oops

jane:

If Fed’s already up a break, then Monfils had better go back to sleep. Goodnight, Gael. Lights out!

hi guys - anyone got a better feed then the justin tv one? mine’s breaking up every few minutes

I think I’ll turn off the computer, turn off the TV and not talk to anyone with any interest in tennis or any sport for that matter. I will take a nap and turn on the TV after two hours (that is how about how long the Nadal-Djoko match lasted). Then I will watch TV and allow NBC to fool me by pretending that I am watching a live match.

Polo:

“Then I will watch TV and allow NBC to fool me by pretending that I am watching a live match.”

think of it as a bad dream.

Ra,

Too funny - nope I’m happily married.

I guess I’ve mellowed in my feelings about Roger over the past year as I’ve seen him struggling (relatively speaking) and have seen more heart / fire from him on the court. I appreciate all he’s done for the game.

That said, I’d probably rather see Rafa get 4 in a row.

Djokovic is probably my favorite player right now, but he’s best on the hard courts as today showed. I wonder how he’ll do on the grass? So many potential contenders and Wimbledon, unlike here, where we all suspected a Rafa vs Roger final, part 3.

Peach, sounds like you need to move to Canada, eh? I do too.

Polo, I believe on the ATP site you can run through the matches, click “stats” and count-up the break/conversions.

jane,

I was only playing, but that’s good to hear.

I can appreciate your sentiments.

I don’t see any reason why Novak’s game shouldn’t translate extremely well to grass at this point.

It’s looking pretty windy out there, now. Well, either that or Roger forked out enough dough to get some new kinda of glamor haircut that simulates a windblown effect…

Sean, unfortunately the move from Australia is a bit further! over here, we don’t even get a delayed telecast…

so does nobody think Monfils has a fighting chance? youth and bravado has got to count for something, right?

Sorry Peach, that’d be quite a day trip.

Monfils has the weapons - big serve, big forehand and speed - to trouble Fed, but he needs to be on the offensive and not on the defensive (like he was against Ferrer) to have any chance.

Shital,

“I am recuperating all right. This is certainly not the end.” No, Novak has lots of time to work on his game; on clay he’s still only “darn good”, not superior.

Too bad Monfils got down that early break; he’s playing some nice stuff but does hang too far behind the baseline.

Peach,

the only way I can personally see Monfils having a chance is if Federer runs around his backhand way too much and then doesn’t hit winners with his forehand. I can’t see him sticking with that if it isn’t working out, though.

monfils has 14 winners and 4 unforced errors but federer leads with a double break.

wtf

At this point, I’m just hoping Monfils doesn’t retire or something.

Ra,

Of course I know you were only playing. LOL. Funny haircut comment; you’re quite the wit this morning. It’s been windy all day; I think Novak could blame at least a couple of his errors on the wind.

Roger cruised through this first set, which seemed kind of flat. Or is it just me?

Monfils is not showing any of his electricity. At least he’s beginning this 2nd set with some fantastic serving!

Glad you appreciate the wit, jane.

Idunno if it was flat. It was over too soon to tell. There doesn’t seem to be much of a rhythm to this match, though, if that’s what you mean.

That was some impressive serving.

Ra, do you think Monfils has the tactical experience to be able to change his game, now that he’s a set down?

Peach, I don’t know that Monfils has the necessary variety of game to change his game. Perhaps I was unclear. I was talking about Federer running around his own backhand and whatnot.

wow…that passing shot from Monfils - more of that please!

Ra,

Yes, maybe it is the lack of rhythm that makes it seem flat, compared to Monfils’ last couple of matches.

Peach,

I think Monfils is rather stubborn; from what I’ve read he doesn’t like to change his tactics too much. He certainly has the shots / ability to be more aggressive but he likes to hang back, apparently. I’d like to see him give it a go here, and not fade into oblivion.

Peach,

I stand corrected. The serve and volley play is a great move on Gael’s part. And it doesn’t hurt that he’s got the wingspan of a pterodactyl.

well, i’m hoping this pterodactyl doesn’t get swept aside by history like the other dinosaurs…

this has the makings of a classic match - anyone still out there?

Good for Monfils to take a set; he’s so fun to behold.

Monfils takes the 2nd set and makes the match interesting !

poor rog. if he does get through, it will be a massive beatdown by nadal. he he, i can’t wait.

roger will have no chance against king nadal. he might as well lose now, and not suffer the indignity of the beatdown he will get on sunday/

come on, nadal v fed part III? I and II were great, but we all know how the third godfather turned out…

Indignity? We should all wish to be so dignified as to get beat down by Nadal on Chatrier in the French Open final.

Ok, they seriously need to either

a) enforce coaching violations

or

b) allow coaching

This has become just plain ridiculous.

Novak still seems to think “everything is possible,” which is a good attitude to have after today’s match. But he’s right that “the better player won.” He’s also right that his serve was off, that he made to many unforced errors, and that the wind was a factor, but he went so far as to call Chatrier “his court” meaning Rafa’s of course. He does seem to be like a King in his Kingdom out there.

“Q. I was going to ask an extension of that. If Roger does win this, do you think it’s possible he’s ready to beat Rafa on this surface?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, he wants it a lot, so he has a lot of motivation for French Open title. That’s the only title he didn’t win, so I think everything is possible.

Q. Do you have any advice for him, how to play or…

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I need to give advice to Roger? (laughter.)

I think no. He knows the best.”

it will be four beatdowns by nadal at RG. well, there’s always wimbledon.

Peach - funny comment about Godfather III; it is abysmal. I hope the final isn’t that bad! I suspect Roger will give it his all; we know Rafa will!

Ra, agreed. everyone knows whats going on…if they don’t enforce the rules or else change them to allow coaching, they undermine their own authority

fed is afraid,

do you think rafa can beat roger that easily; in straight sets?

do you think rafa can win wimbledon? i do, but i also think there are SO many contenders for the grass title this year. we’ll see.

Ra- for someone who some people call the GOAT, he should not lose to nadal 3 times at RG, and if he gets through this match it will be 4.

Jane-yes, i do to both questions.

This comment from Rafa is pretty telling; he hasn’t been nervous at RG since 2006 against Mathieu! LOL.

Q. When’s the last time you’ve gotten very nervous here? Not a little bit nervous, but were really out playing and got really nervous where you had to take control of yourself.

RAFAEL NADAL: (From Spanish.) I am thinking. Well, a little bit against Mathieu first set, 2006 maybe it was. Against Grosjean with the problem with the crowd, 2005, I think. One set all break up, everything under control, and later was tough. No more times, I think. (laughter.)

Thanks for the awsome link Ra !!!!

If Monfils was more consistent and a little more tactically savvy he’d be very dangerous.

jane, i think (hope) that that will come with time. mind you, part of what makes him so exciting to watch is his unpredicatability - i think sometimes he excites himself!

I don’t know if Rafa means the best match EVER at RG or just his best at this tournament, but here’s what he said about his match with Djoko:

“The level of the two first sets was very good today. Almost perfect. So happy about, well, how I am playing today, no? Best match at Roland Garros so far, no?”

Peach,

“mind you, part of what makes him so exciting to watch is his unpredicatability - i think sometimes he excites himself!”

You’re very right; he’s nothing if not dramatic.

But two games in this 4th set he could’ve broken Roger and both times he blew it by going for flash. So a little less drama might be good for his game, at least in the big moments.

jane, speaking of which - roger has shown some big chinks in his armour so far today - how many break points has monfils had?

Roger’s given up 13 I think, but Monfils not able to convert many of his chances.

Unlike Rafa, who only gave Djoko about 3 or 4 chances today and Djoko took most of them.

I can’t see it, but impressive that Gael is doing as well as he has. Too bad he’s missed many break points here in the fourth…!!

ChipNCharge,

I’m so glad you found the link helpful. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been bailed out of potential misery by people posting links, so it is an absolute pleasure to be in a position to return the favor.

Person whose name betrays his/her own ego issues,

what you think Roger Federer, an actual living being subject to reality, “should not” do based on others’ subjective assessment of him being the GOAT is a construct of delusional idealization. He’s just a guy who (through talent, work ethic, dedication and perseverance) has long since established a pattern of ridiculously impressive results. Through what skewed logic do you belittle his successes for what he has not achieved? Also, there has yet to be a male player who has been totally dominant on all 4 surfaces; To only be so dominant on 3 does not exclude him from the GOAT conversation.

Ra, out of interest, what are the penalties for coaching? and can the umpire do anything about it mid match?

damn…i think they shut down that link! Ra, got anymore up your sleeve?

Well, the link is now dead Ra. There is a message on the site that says he violated the terms of the agreement……………
i guess I will be watching the rerun…..

oh well, you can listen to it here:
http://www.rolandgarros.com/

[Edit: Link shrunk]

http://fr.justin.tv/azortv

lose now roger, or sunday you will be humiliated.

Roger and Monfils have played some impressive, beautiful tennis in this 4th set. Thankfully, for 3 sets (the 1st was a little flat), they’ve provided the excitement that Novak and Rafa’s match lacked until the 3rd set. Roger has played well at net today, which will serve him well if he gets to the final. He’s got match point now.

Good win for Roger - nice match!

good linking Ra, at least I got to see the final point of the match

sunday-the annihilation will be done!!

ah well, hopefully we’ll see a roger ana double?

Got the link up as soon as I found it. Awful time for a feed to go…

That was hotly contested to say the least. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Federer look so stoked to win a semi… at least not in years and years.

It’s been a pleasure hanging with you all this morning/afternoon. It’s nap time for me.

thanks everyone! nice chatting to you all from down here in Australia. might see you on Sunday!

sunday will be a great day. 4 in a row for rafa, he is incredible!!