Was at work so missed the rescheduled men's Italian Open final today. Rafael Nadal seems to have regained his form, beating his recent nemesis Novak Djokovic in straight sets. The pressure is off Nole going into this year's French Open, but so is the sense that he's unbeatable. Did anyone see today's match? Curious to know what happened.
2 comments:
Love ESPN3.com -- match started at noon Central European Time (7am EST).
They both came out quite strong, nothing really to point out except a perception that Nole seemed just a tad smoother from the start. Rafa broke first but gave the break right back.
Then Rafa came back swinging, and you could sorta tell it was over. After breaking again, Rafa held the break to win the set. There was a bad call that did take some of Nole's energy. A bad call (an "in" called out and properly overruled by the ump) forced a let which Rafa won; an important point that should have been Nole's. But, they all get lucky breaks and unlucky pinches.
Going in the second set, Rafa broke Nole's first game, and that was that.
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Both Nole and Rafa look very strong, both enjoyed a little between tournament breather after being dispatched early in Madrid.
Of course Roger was looking sharp in Madrid. Ferrer and Verdasco also look strong, Murray needs help.
All-in-all, has the men's side looked this strong and sharp at the top? Five years now with the same top 4 at the top -- truly a remarkable time. Oh our boys are growing up!
My favorite sports time of the year is the Roland Garros-Wimbledon swing! Looks like another banner year.
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Missed the women's side, and a bit bummed to miss Maria's strong finish. With Serena looking good too, hopefully there are a couple great matches with them for the clay and grass marquis tournaments too.
Nole got screwed on a call at 4-4 30-all. It got into his head a little. Rafa took that gift and ran with it.
Now Roger's back to #3 for Paris. :-(
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