ROME: Djokovic Outlasts Murray In 3-set Thriller, Faces Nadal

Novak Djokovic faced his toughest test of the year against fellow 2011 Australian Open finalist Andy Murray in the semifinals of the Italian Open. After nearly 3 hours, Djokovic won the match 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (2) despite being down a break in the final set repeatedly, including 4-5. The match was full of hard-hitting, "lung bursting" rallies and thrilling shots from both ends of the court, one of the best matches of the year.

The Serb's 36th match win of 2011 sets up a 4th final match up with World #1 Rafael Nadal, who had dismissed Richard Gasquet 7-5 6-1. Gasquet was playing his best tennis in years, having dispatched Roger Federer and Tomas Berdych from the tournament.

Djokovic beat Nadal for the first time last week in an astonishing display of poise and power 7-5 6-4 to win his 3rd Masters 1000 Series shield of the year in Madrid.  Nadal still owns a 16-10 advantage over Djokovic and a 10-1 advantage on clay. However, he has a mere 5-3 edge in finals, with the Serbian winning the last 3 in a row.

Last week I predicted Nadal to win, and I think I will do so again, because I feel that Djokovic will not be as fresh as he was last week. Nadal will be incredibly motivated not to lose 4 times in a row to Djokovic and will want to try out a new game plan against him on clay before Roland Garros. Then again, Djokovic may feel like he simply can not lose after outlasting Murray and may use that confidence to extend his amazing 2011 streak.

MadProfesah's pick: Nadal in 2 sets, Djokovic in 3.