Yes, I know this is a bit late to start writing this, but there were other things that had to be attended to and also the fact I personally can't stand Sunday starts, it's not about the fans and it never has been about fans, it's about the corporation and the cash, where the lines between the business and sport become even more blurred than before.
At the same time, is there a point to writing a Roland Garros preview considering that the likelihood of Rafael Nadal winning his matches easily and playing at an average level, which will still be too good for an inept Federer in the final. Yes, this is something we have not seen before. This is likely to happen, but onto the fun stuff.
Guga Kuerten was competitive in his last match and it's disappointing to see one of the greatest clay court players of all time retire because his body gave out, but he achieved a lot and gave a lot of people happiness. He was able to remain an excellent sportsman and be respected all over the world. He was unique and sadly it seems Brazilian tennis was not able to get a boom after his success, but all the best in life away from tennis.
Nalbandian did what he needed to do against Berlocq. Acasuso without a coach now managed to beat Hrbaty and plays Murray in the next round and this is a big chance for Chucho. Whether he will take it or not remains to be seen, he does not have a great record in Slams and also as much as I like the man, he has been struggling, at the same time that is the case for Murray as well.
Almagro took out the racist Pashanski, though not sure about how his wrist is holding up. Big win baby Gordo Schwank over Moya in 5 sets. Schwankster has been playing a lot of tennis lately and was involved in the hotel fire in Bordeaux.
He looks like a bit like Lapentti and plays a bit like Zabaleta except with more power and he will the play the winner of Granollers or Berrer in the next round.
The warrior Nico Lapentti took out Tipsarevic, which was not a surprise really. Of course it took a while, but Lapentti does not mind the long matches, in fact he really enjoys them. This and his game can upset the rhythm of Tipsarevic who does better when he is not favourite.
Lapentti has a chance to make the 4th round and believe he will do it. It will be a pleasant change to see some different faces in the last 16 or last 8.
2 comments:
Guga showed some sprinkling of genius out there. He hit a beautiful topspin backhand to cross up Mathieu and then unleashed the patented backhand up the line to break for 4-4 in the second set. That was lovely, but there wasn't enough of this. This is a guy whose movement isn't even close to what it once was and yet the showing was respectable.
The rain is an interesting wrinkle. If it continues the schedule could wreak some havoc on Rafa's heels. This might be the bumpiest French Open for him yet.
I have a feeling that Djokovic will take this. I am not sure I would like this very much, but something tells me that the Gods are finally bored with Rafa.
Oh and P.S. Schwank for bandwagon player of the month. Let's hope he keeps winning.
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