I can’t believe I woke up at 6am to watch yet another ho-hum final! Nadal was just head and shoulders above Tomas Berdych this morning. I suppose we have been spoiled in the last several years for men’s finals with Federer-Roddick’s 16-14 fifth set from last year, 2008′s historic match, and even the 2007-2006 finals with Federer-Nadal.
Kudos to Tomas for eliminating Federer and Djokovic to make it to his first final, but he didn’t bring enough game to notch the W. Juan Martin Del Potro blasted Roger and Rafa off the New York hard courts at the US Open last year (and hasn’t been seen since). I don’t blame ya for being hopeful at a repeat. But, c’mon, you gotta do yourself a favor and convert on the break points. 0-4? That’s the same boring storyline as Soderling in the French final last month, who was 0-8.
At this rate, Nadal looks to surpass his historical antecedent, Bjorn Borg, for all time grand slam titles. Rafa’s win today broke his tie with Mats Wilander and John McEnroe. He is now in the ranks of Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors, and Ivan Lendlova at 8. Rafa still has lots of mileage left in him to distinguish himself from Borg, and already has by way that he has won a hard court slam at Australia in 2000.
The one record that Rafa will easily surpass in the coming years is most appearances in French Open finals. Borg holds the record at 6 and Rafa is already at 5. Overall, I think Rafa will be able to hold on for at least 3-4 titles assuming he continues to be judicious about his tourney selection over the course of the year.
Will the Spanish World Cup team find inspiration from Rafa? After having won four straight World Cup matches, they are in the semifinals for the first time. Next up is Germany whom Spain beat in the European Championships in 2008. Whatever the outcome, Rafa (who’s favorite position on the pitch is, unsurprisingly, striker) will be in Johannesburg for the final and he wants to invite you! But is he forsaking his Davis Cup obligations as Spain’s tie against France is happening on the same weekend as the WC final? Maybe it’s part of his sustainability plan….
