I’ve never given Rafa much credit on grass. In spite of the fact that he has been runner-up at Wimbledon for the last two years, I attributed his success to weakness in the field overall not his on-court prowess per se (Roddick is still impressive on grass but his talents have been eclipsed; Djokovic can play brilliantly but not yet on an entirely consistent basis).
Watching Rafa on grass this week, I’ve been converted. I believe that a clay court specialist can go all the way in London!
Rafa secured his spot at the Tennis Hall of Fame last week when he won his fourth French Open in a row. But his winning ways stayed with him over the English Channel as followed up with his first title on grass at the Artois Championships in England. He fought back an inspired Novak Djokovic, 7-6, 7-5. While it was his third straight win over the Serb, it was the manner in which he won all his matches this week that made me see the light.
Rafa has been simply awesome in striking forehand winners from all corners of the court. His groundies have adapted to the faster surface and his serve is intimidating. He never misses a passing shot and his movement is superb. Most impressive have been his trademark mental fortitude and aggressiveness. He is simply unrelenting.
For instance, in his 6-7, 7-6, 7-6 win over Ivo Karlovic in the quarters, Rafa wasn’t able to break serve a single time, but he still found a way to win. He blasted Roddick off the court in the semis, and while mental fatigue started to creep in during his final match against Novak, he demonstrated true grit and desire.
Many are speculating if Roger can win his 6th straight Wimbledon. I think the buck stops here this year. Rafa is going to be the first player since Borg to win the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year. Can I get an Amen in here?
(www.artoischampionships.com)
