IT'S ON

For the first time in 6 years on American soil (or at least the surface of a tennis court), Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer will battle it out.

Yesterday morning, Gilles Simon woke up with a stiff neck.  Yesterday afternoon, Roger Federer moved through to the Sony Ericsson Open semis.  Simon tried to make a go of it, but after three woeful games, it was readily apparent he was in no condition to play tennis.  He retired from the match and handed Fed a very easy victory. 

Last night, Rafael Nadal come out on fire in his match with Tomas Berdych.  He smoked the ball all over the court and convincingly won the first set 6-2.  In the second set, his game went off the rails a bit, he got some treatment on his shoulder, and Berdych took control.  Berdych cruised to a 4-0 lead and won the set 6-3.  Berdych had an opportunity to break Nadal to open the third set, but Nadal found his serve and held on for a 1-0 lead.  The two continued to hold serve until 4-3, when Nadal secrured a break.  He served it out and set up a dream semifinal.

UPDATE: Novak Djokovic just defeated American Mardy Fish in straight sets, 6-3-, 6-1.  A 55-minute rain delay interrupted the action at 2-2 in the first.  Djokovic seemed rejuvenated by the break and grabbed the reins shortly after they returned to the court.  Mardy had a break opportunity with Djokovic serving for the set at 5-3, but bricked a volley on break point.  Djokovic held serve to take the set and cruised through the second set for the win.

So, Djokovic awaits the winner of tonight's clash between Rafa and Roger.  It will either be #1 versus #2, or #2 versus #3.  No matter what, it will be epic.  And I will be there, perched in my favorite spot in the top row.