Tweet
BBC Sports
June 9 2006
Gamewatch: Federer v Nalbandian
French Open
Semi-final result:
R FEDERER Swi bt D NALBANDIAN Arg
3-6 6-4 5-2 (Nalbandian retired)
Game-by-game updates:
If Federer can carry the form of the last hour into the final he'll
have a great chance.
BBC Sport analyst John Lloyd
Third set:
Federer 5-2 Nalbandian
Nalbandian's serve is becoming weaker by the second and allowing
Federer to take control. He breaks again and Nalbandian goes to the
umpire to tells him he's pulling out.
Federer 4-2 Nalbandian
Two aces signal Federer's confidence at the moment and Nalbandian
looks distinctly unhappy out there.
The trainer is back on and attending to Nalbandian's stomach - an
area he had an injury earlier in the year.
Federer 3-2 Nalbandian
Federer has a point for the double break but Nalbandian hangs on with
a smash.
Federer 3-1 Nalbandian
Federer clearly has little sympathy for Nalbandian and plays a solid
service game. He is hitting confidently on both the backhand and
forehand sides, winning the game to 15.
The trainer is on for David Nalbandian and the pair have a lengthy
discussion before the doctor joins them. Meanwhile, Leonardo di
Caprio causes a stir by arriving in the stands accompanied by several
bodyguards. Nalbandian is given a couple of pills and returns to the
action.
Federer 2-1 Nalbandian
Nalbandian stays in touch by holding to 15.
Federer 2-0 Nalbandian
Federer takes his eighth game in nine and leaves Nalbandian sprawled
in the clay with the forehand winner that gives him the game.
Federer 1-0 Nalbandian
The match has completely turned around in the space of 20 minutes -
Nalbandian is feeling the pressure and the mistakes start to flow as
he gives up another break of serve.
---------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Second set:
That was a privilege to watch - from 0-3 it was genius from Federer.
BBC Sport analyst John Lloyd
Federer 6-4 Nalbandian
The game hangs on a lengthy rally with Federer 30-15 ahead, and after
numerous heavy forehands from both men it is Nalbandian who makes the
error.
Federer 5-4 Nalbandian
Nalbandian stops the rot but does have to watch as one more stunning
Federer forehand flies past him.
Federer 5-3 Nalbandian
Federer wraps up his fifth straight game and his forehand is now back
in the groove - one cross-court winner causing the Swiss to clench
his fist in delight.
Federer 4-3 Nalbandian
A stunning game sees winners from both players but it is Federer who
has really hit top form. He chases down one lob and hits the ball
around his legs for a winner down the line that even Nalbandian
appaluds. The next point ends with a blistering Federer backhand and
he breaks serve again when Nalbandian nets a smash.
Federer 3-3 Nalbandian
Federer gets back on level terms, producing a delicate half-volley
when he needs it at 30-30.
It's as if Federer didn't set his alarm clock at the right time and
he's finally woken up.
BBC Sport analyst John Lloyd
Federer 2-3 Nalbandian
The improvised shot of the previous game looks like it did inspire
Federer, who suddenly hits top form and races to two break points, at
which point Nalbandian double faults.
Federer 1-3 Nalbandian
Federer comes up with one improvised forehand cross-court slice that
puts him 3-0-15 up and might boost his confidence. He goes on to
hold.
Federer 0-3 Nalbandian
Federer is struggling to get the ball into court at the moment and
Nalbandian holds to love. Federer's coach Tony Roche looks
unimpressed in the crowd.
Federer 0-2 Nalbandian
Federer makes two forehand errors before Nalbandian finds an
outrageous angle on a backhand return. Federer then puts a backhand
slice long and Nalbandian goes a break up. The Argentine supporters
celebrate, meanwhile Federer looks surprisingly low-key.
Federer 0-1 Nalbandian
A wild mishit from the Federer forehand signals another comfortable
hold for Nalbandian and the Argentine is in complete control at the
moment.
---------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Federer hasn't had a break point yet, and that's very unusual. It's
not like he has to go to Plan B, he's just got to get Plan A right.
I'd give him four out of 10 so far.
BBC Sport analyst John Lloyd
First set:
Federer 3-6 Nalbandian
Nalbandian gets a set point when Federer nets a forehand but hits a
wild return. The Argentine soon has a second chance but Federer
finishes the point with an easy smash. Nalbandian does not waste the
third set point, however, with Federer firing a forehand long.
Federer 3-5 Nalbandian
Nalbandian has been to at least the semi-finals of all four Grand
Slams and that experience is already showing - he looks the more
confident player at the moment and closes in on the first set with
another love service game.
Federer 3-4 Nalbandian
Federer holds to love and has looked pretty good so far, apart his
previous service game. The Argentine fans are certainly happy enough
with Nalbandian and are treating the Parisians to the same chant on
every changeover.
Federer 2-4 Nalbandian
Nalbandian holds impressively, firing down one ace and dominating the
rallies again with his forehand.
Federer's backhand has been superb during the tournament but if he
leaves it short, like then, Nalbandian will step up and hit the big
forehand.
BBC Sport analyst John Lloyd
Federer 2-3 Nalbandian
A loose Federer volley and a forehand error give Nalbandian two break
points and the Argentine capitalises with a fierce return that
Federer cannot control.
Federer 2-2 Nalbandian
Nalbandian plays a risky second point by rallying to Federer's
forehand, and the Swiss makes him pay with one unreturnable shot down
the line. Another double fault sees Federer go 15-30 up but
Nalbandian comes through.
Federer 2-1 Nalbandian
Both players have started confidently and look to be timing the ball
well. A fierce cross-court forehand gives Federer the game to 15.
Federer 1-1 Nalbandian
Nalbandian hits two double faults, which does not help his cause, but
a strong forehand gives him the game.
Federer 1-0 Nalbandian
Federer opens with a comfortable hold to 15. The wind is quite strong
today and could pose some problems.
I'm taking Federer to win this one and I don't think it will take as
long as everyone thinks.
BBC Sport analyst John Lloyd
The players are out on Phillipe Chatrier Court and Nalbandian's
supporters are already in good voice.
June 9 2006
Gamewatch: Federer v Nalbandian
French Open
Semi-final result:
R FEDERER Swi bt D NALBANDIAN Arg
3-6 6-4 5-2 (Nalbandian retired)
Game-by-game updates:
If Federer can carry the form of the last hour into the final he'll
have a great chance.
BBC Sport analyst John Lloyd
Third set:
Federer 5-2 Nalbandian
Nalbandian's serve is becoming weaker by the second and allowing
Federer to take control. He breaks again and Nalbandian goes to the
umpire to tells him he's pulling out.
Federer 4-2 Nalbandian
Two aces signal Federer's confidence at the moment and Nalbandian
looks distinctly unhappy out there.
The trainer is back on and attending to Nalbandian's stomach - an
area he had an injury earlier in the year.
Federer 3-2 Nalbandian
Federer has a point for the double break but Nalbandian hangs on with
a smash.
Federer 3-1 Nalbandian
Federer clearly has little sympathy for Nalbandian and plays a solid
service game. He is hitting confidently on both the backhand and
forehand sides, winning the game to 15.
The trainer is on for David Nalbandian and the pair have a lengthy
discussion before the doctor joins them. Meanwhile, Leonardo di
Caprio causes a stir by arriving in the stands accompanied by several
bodyguards. Nalbandian is given a couple of pills and returns to the
action.
Federer 2-1 Nalbandian
Nalbandian stays in touch by holding to 15.
Federer 2-0 Nalbandian
Federer takes his eighth game in nine and leaves Nalbandian sprawled
in the clay with the forehand winner that gives him the game.
Federer 1-0 Nalbandian
The match has completely turned around in the space of 20 minutes -
Nalbandian is feeling the pressure and the mistakes start to flow as
he gives up another break of serve.
---------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Second set:
That was a privilege to watch - from 0-3 it was genius from Federer.
BBC Sport analyst John Lloyd
Federer 6-4 Nalbandian
The game hangs on a lengthy rally with Federer 30-15 ahead, and after
numerous heavy forehands from both men it is Nalbandian who makes the
error.
Federer 5-4 Nalbandian
Nalbandian stops the rot but does have to watch as one more stunning
Federer forehand flies past him.
Federer 5-3 Nalbandian
Federer wraps up his fifth straight game and his forehand is now back
in the groove - one cross-court winner causing the Swiss to clench
his fist in delight.
Federer 4-3 Nalbandian
A stunning game sees winners from both players but it is Federer who
has really hit top form. He chases down one lob and hits the ball
around his legs for a winner down the line that even Nalbandian
appaluds. The next point ends with a blistering Federer backhand and
he breaks serve again when Nalbandian nets a smash.
Federer 3-3 Nalbandian
Federer gets back on level terms, producing a delicate half-volley
when he needs it at 30-30.
It's as if Federer didn't set his alarm clock at the right time and
he's finally woken up.
BBC Sport analyst John Lloyd
Federer 2-3 Nalbandian
The improvised shot of the previous game looks like it did inspire
Federer, who suddenly hits top form and races to two break points, at
which point Nalbandian double faults.
Federer 1-3 Nalbandian
Federer comes up with one improvised forehand cross-court slice that
puts him 3-0-15 up and might boost his confidence. He goes on to
hold.
Federer 0-3 Nalbandian
Federer is struggling to get the ball into court at the moment and
Nalbandian holds to love. Federer's coach Tony Roche looks
unimpressed in the crowd.
Federer 0-2 Nalbandian
Federer makes two forehand errors before Nalbandian finds an
outrageous angle on a backhand return. Federer then puts a backhand
slice long and Nalbandian goes a break up. The Argentine supporters
celebrate, meanwhile Federer looks surprisingly low-key.
Federer 0-1 Nalbandian
A wild mishit from the Federer forehand signals another comfortable
hold for Nalbandian and the Argentine is in complete control at the
moment.
---------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Federer hasn't had a break point yet, and that's very unusual. It's
not like he has to go to Plan B, he's just got to get Plan A right.
I'd give him four out of 10 so far.
BBC Sport analyst John Lloyd
First set:
Federer 3-6 Nalbandian
Nalbandian gets a set point when Federer nets a forehand but hits a
wild return. The Argentine soon has a second chance but Federer
finishes the point with an easy smash. Nalbandian does not waste the
third set point, however, with Federer firing a forehand long.
Federer 3-5 Nalbandian
Nalbandian has been to at least the semi-finals of all four Grand
Slams and that experience is already showing - he looks the more
confident player at the moment and closes in on the first set with
another love service game.
Federer 3-4 Nalbandian
Federer holds to love and has looked pretty good so far, apart his
previous service game. The Argentine fans are certainly happy enough
with Nalbandian and are treating the Parisians to the same chant on
every changeover.
Federer 2-4 Nalbandian
Nalbandian holds impressively, firing down one ace and dominating the
rallies again with his forehand.
Federer's backhand has been superb during the tournament but if he
leaves it short, like then, Nalbandian will step up and hit the big
forehand.
BBC Sport analyst John Lloyd
Federer 2-3 Nalbandian
A loose Federer volley and a forehand error give Nalbandian two break
points and the Argentine capitalises with a fierce return that
Federer cannot control.
Federer 2-2 Nalbandian
Nalbandian plays a risky second point by rallying to Federer's
forehand, and the Swiss makes him pay with one unreturnable shot down
the line. Another double fault sees Federer go 15-30 up but
Nalbandian comes through.
Federer 2-1 Nalbandian
Both players have started confidently and look to be timing the ball
well. A fierce cross-court forehand gives Federer the game to 15.
Federer 1-1 Nalbandian
Nalbandian hits two double faults, which does not help his cause, but
a strong forehand gives him the game.
Federer 1-0 Nalbandian
Federer opens with a comfortable hold to 15. The wind is quite strong
today and could pose some problems.
I'm taking Federer to win this one and I don't think it will take as
long as everyone thinks.
BBC Sport analyst John Lloyd
The players are out on Phillipe Chatrier Court and Nalbandian's
supporters are already in good voice.