Djokovic and Nadal breeze into semifinals
Tennis: The ease with which Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic swept aside their quarterfinal opponents at the French Open was remarkably similar.
Both men won in straight sets Wednesday at Paris, hardly challenged. Both earned 12 break points, Nadal converting seven, Djokovic five. Nadal’s serve was broken only once, Djokovic’s twice.
In what amounted to heavy-duty practice sessions for the real test that lies ahead, Nadal needed 1 hour, 56 minutes to beat No. 9-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 in Court Philippe Chatrier, while a short walk away, Djokovic’s 6-3, 7-6 (5), 7-5 victory over No. 12 Tommy Haas in Court Suzanne Lenglen lasted 17 minutes longer.
Now comes the showdown everyone’s been anticipating since the field was set nearly two weeks ago: a Djokovic vs. Nadal semifinal Friday that will have the feel of a final, and not only because they met for the championship at Roland Garros a year ago.
“A lot of people in the tennis world are looking to the matchup coming up with Rafa and Novak,” said Haas, who at 35 was the oldest French Open quarterfinalist since 1971. “I’ll definitely be watching.”
Who wouldn’t?
Djokovic, ranked and seeded No. 1, against Nadal, owner of a record seven French Open titles, including three in a row.
It’s all enough to render Friday’s other semifinal something of an afterthought, even if local fans have a rooting interest when No. 6 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France faces No. 4 David Ferrer of Spain. Tsonga, who beat Roger Federer in the quarterfinals, wants to give France its first male champion at Roland Garros since Yannick Noah 30 years ago.
The women’s semifinals today are No. 1 Serena Williams against No. 5 Sara Errani, and No. 2 Maria Sharapova against No. 4 Victoria Azarenka. Sharapova, the defending champion, and Azarenka advanced Wednesday; Williams and Errani won their quarterfinals Tuesday.
• Murray entered: Andy Murray is set to make his return from a back injury in next week’s grass-court tournament at Queen’s Club in London.
The U.S. Open champion missed the French Open because of a chronic back problem, raising fears he could also be sidelined for Wimbledon starting on June 24.
Blackhawks’ Keith receives suspension
NHL: Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith will miss Game 4 of the Western Conference finals tonight under a one-game suspension for high-sticking Los Angeles’ Jeff Carter.
Keith hit Carter with a one-handed blow in the second period of the Kings’ 3-1 victory in Game 3, opening a 20-stitch gash on the star forward’s face and cracking three of his teeth.
Healthy Solo returns against South Korea
Soccer: Star goalkeeper Hope Solo makes her return to the U.S. team roster after fully recovering from left wrist surgery as coach Tom Sermanni picks 23 players for games against South Korea.
Solo, who has 135 international appearances, will be available for both matches, her first time back with the U.S. women since February. The Americans will play South Korea on June 15 in Foxborough, Mass., and five days later in Harrison, N.J.
Solo didn’t play in last Sunday’s 3-0 win over Canada in Toronto. Sermanni also added midfielder Megan Rapinoe, who will have completed her season with Lyon, France; midfielder Yael Averbuch (Gvteborg in Sweden); and defender Meghan Klingenberg (Tyresv in Sweden).
• Everton hires Martinez: Roberto Martinez has been hired as the new manager of Everton after four years at Wigan that ended with the club’s relegation from the English Premier League last month.
The 39-year-old Spaniard signed a four-year deal as the replacement for David Moyes, who is taking over from Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.
Carson, Montgomery lead Liberty to win
Miscellany: Essence Carson scored 21 points and Alex Montgomery added six of her 13 points in overtime to help the New York Liberty beat the Indiana Fever 75-68 in a WNBA game at Newark, N.J.
Tamika Catchings scored 21 points to lead Indiana (1-2).
• Hopkins will defend title: Bernard Hopkins, 48, will defend his IBF light heavyweight championship against Karo Murat next month.
The fight is scheduled for July 13 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.