Tennis: Men's & Women's French Open finals set

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The French Open semifinals were completed today and the finals are set. A familiar men's duo will compete in their third straight meeting in Paris while two women vie for the first Grand Slam title of their careers. Let's take a look.

Roger Federer struggled to defeat French hopeful Gael Monfils today, even dropping a set, but experience won out as the top seed closed with a 6-2, 5-7, 6-3, 7-5 victory. Rafael Nadal continued his almost inevitable march towards a fourth straight Roland Garros crown (and matching Bjorn Borg's record) by making his marquee match with third seed Novak Djokovic a mismatch with a scoreline of 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 (3).

The top two ballers in the world will be battling in their third straight French Open final with Rafa winning all three encounters. The Swiss could complete a career Grand Slam by taking his first title in Paris, but all things point to a win by the Mallorcan Matador as he has yet to drop a set this fortnight and remains undefeated at this Slam going 27-0 through the semifinals.

My pick: Rafa in 4 sets

Serbia's Ana Ivanovic booked a place in her second straight French Open final by defeating countrywoman Jelena Jankovic 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 in the match of the women's draw so far. Ivanovic also clinched the top ranking from Maria Sharapova by making the final; she becomes the first baller from Serbia to be named world no. 1.

Russia's Dinara Safina will be making her first trip ever to a Grand Slam final having defeated her nervous compatriot Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3, 6-2. Her brother, Marat, is a two-time Grand Slammer and they would become the first brother and sister to capture major titles in the Open Era.

Though Ivanovic has the experience of being in two major finals (French Open '07 and Australian Open '08) she has yet to prove she can win seven matches over a fortnight. Safina possesses similar power but has been prone to mental frailty. The Russian has shown toughness this year, however, defeating Justine Henin and Serena Williams in Berlin and Maria Sharapova in the fourth round here after facing a match point.

But Ivanovic has a huge weapon with her forehand and is a better mover and big match baller. And if those elements are working, she'll have a French Open title to accompany her new world no. 1 status.

My pick: Ivanovic in 3 sets

Source: Roland Garros

Originally posted by Rich Rodriguez