Why Nadal vs Djokovic is a Must Watch

It's rare that we see the best player in the world, in peak form, face off with the most dominant player on a particular surface. Its even rarer that it happens in the quarterfinals. With Federer losing today, this is widely regarded as the Finals of the French Open. It's just being played a few days too soon. I know it's in the morning, in the middle of the week, but you have to find a way to watch this match. This may be the most exciting and important match since Federer/Nadal (2008 Wimbledon).

While Federer vs Nadal was an absolute fantastic rivalry during its time, it is possible that Djokovic vs Nadal over the past five years has been even better. They have played 20 times over that span (13-7 Djokovic), 10 times on clay (5-5) and 3 times at the French: 2 Finals and a Semi (3-0 Nadal). They have played in the Finals of a major 6 times since 2011 (3-3). Despite all that, the meeting tomorrow may be the most important meeting of their record 44 matches.

So what makes this match a potential turning point?

First off - Nadal might actually lose. Djokovic is a 1/3 favorite at the sports books. It's easy to argue that Nadal has fallen off dramatically, the results haven't been there, the killer sixth gear can't be found, etc.  He lost a set to a 23 year old American in the last round. Meanwhile, Djokovic has been cruising, dominating and dispatching opponents with ease.

However, these arguments have been made year after year - and yet Nadal seems to always find himself in Paris. He is 70-1 at Roland Garros, 70-1.  It's unfathomable how dominant he has been, and in an era that has contained both Federer and Djokovic, he has yet to lose to any of the titans. He easily has the best winning percentage at a major in history.

Secondly - if Djokovic does win it marks a true changing of the guard at the top of men's tennis. No longer will it be the era of the Big Four, but rather the era of Djokovic. He has been far more dominant in recent years than the other three and will have finally captured the one title that has eluded him for so long.

Since 2011 he has won 7 of the 17 majors, appeared in 5 more finals, and only failed to reach the semis once. If he beats Nadal and goes on to win the French not only will he have won 3 of the last 4 majors, but he will be on pace for the Grand Slam.

If the meaningfulness of the match isn't enough to convince you it might also produce some fantastic tennis.