As I suspected slash feared, Rafael Nadal finally found his game in the final tune-up to the French Open, essentially demolishing Novak Djokovic 6-0, 6-1 -- if you don't count a momentary hiccup where Nole was able to get in his head long enough to eek out the second set, 6-4.
Nadal is older now and coming back from yet another injury. But unlike 2015, his belief is still there. So even after losses to Tsitsipas, Thiemi and Fognini, it felt like it was just a matter of time before he returned to top form -- and did he ever. Comme d'habitude, he's the clear favorite going into Roland Garros.
The women's side saw more instability. Terminally injured Karolina Pliskova won her second title of the season beating terminally injured Johanna Konta 6-3, 6-4. They're both power players, so neither is known for her claycourt game -- yet here we are.
Doubt either will be much a a threat in Paris.
But with Osaka, Halep, Serena, Muguruza, Sabalenka, Keys and so on all either injured or flaking out, it's anyone's guess who will rise to the occasion. (Kiki Bertens, god forbid?)
Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah rallied to defend their doubles crown in Rome.
The Colombians were down 2/7 in the match tiebreak during their quarter-final against Bob Bryan/Mike Bryan, but saved four match points to reach the semifinals. On Saturday evening, the longtime pairing lost the first set 6-2 after only 29 minutes against top seeds Lukasz Kubot/Marcelo Melo, yet recovered to prevail in another Match Tie-break. On Sunday, however, Cabal/Farah skipped the heroics, beating Raven Klaasen/Michael Venus 6-1, 6-3 in only 59 minutes.
I'm sure it wasn't the outcome the HOT DADDY was hoping for. But a nice start to his comeback.
As as you probably heard, Wimbledon royalty -- past and present -- turned out for he unveiling of the new Court 1, complete with retractable roof.
One need only watch this point to remember why Martina Navratilova is the undisputed Queen of Grass.
What a great turnout: In addition to Martina, five-time champ Venus Williams, Pat Cash, Jamie Murray, Kim Clijsters, Goran Ivanisevic, Lleyton Hewitt and Jamie Murray helped celebrate the rollout. Would have loved to have attended!
Watch Venus give it to Johnny Mac!
P.S.
Did anyone else noticed this going on inside Novak's box?
And congrats to Filip Krajinovic, who picked up his 10th Challenger title in Heilbronn, Germany.
(With wire services)
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