Rafael Nadal dethroned in Paris

Wow. Just wow. Who would have thought?

I know, NO ONE!

4-time defending champion, #1 in the world and undefeated at le terre bateau, Rafael Nadal was stunned by Robin Soderling in their 4th round encounter today 2-6, 7-6(2), 4-6, 6(2)-7. Rafa was seemingly half a step slower today. Whether it was due to fatigue because of too many matches played or it was just an off day or a combination of everything, when you play less than a hundred percent against someone with nothing to lose, you might just be sent home packing. And this was the sending home of the decade! It’s not fair to say the loss was only due to Rafa’s poor play, credit has to be given to Robin- he played well above his usual level from his serves to his backhand, they were solid throughout the match. The boy stepped up and you have to give him props for that.

“Well, that’s the end of the road, and I have to accept it,” Nadal said. “I have to accept my defeat as I accepted my victories: with calm.”

Rafa’s one of my favorite champions, always graceful in victories and in defeat. Like he said, it all had to end sometime and unfortunately it came today. It has been an unbelievable 5 years at Roland Garros for him (1 loss in 5 years? Yeah, it’s pretty damn amazing) and I’m sure he’s looking forward to 5 more unbelievable ones. I have no doubt he’ll quickly be able to bounce back and be ready come Wimbledon to defend there.

And by the way, he’s still the King of Clay!

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Michelle Larcher de Brito makes some noise

Michelle Larcher de Brito made headlines earlier after losing to Aravane Rezai (6(3)-7, 2-6) in their third round encounter. No, she didn’t  make the headlines because it was such a shocker! It’s because her shrieks can be heard worldwide. I guess they meant that literally- on your TV screens or computer monitors. Although it should be noted that this is the 16-year old’s first main draw appearance at a Grand Slam tournament and she’s done pretty well for herself.

Is it louder than Maria Sharapova’s? Monica Seles’? The Williamses? It sounds like it is. Do I like it? Not necessarily but I’m not bothered by it unlike her opponent, Aravane, and a hundred of other spectators. Many claim it’s a tactic to distract the opponent and get into her head. Some even go as far as saying that Nick Bollettieri encourages it at his academy. You cannot be serious! Funny how I’ve never heard anyone inside the Top 10 today complain when they play Michelle, Maria or The Williamses. I mean, correct me if I’m wrong but I do not recall any of the Russians or both the Serbians complain. If a shriek puts you off your game then that’s probably the reason why you are #57 in the world. As far as the spectators are concerned, if you’re so annoyed by it then don’t watch. I’m sure somebody else is dying to take your place. And also please stop bitching about it. You’re not the one hitting 90mph winners and running around the court for hours in a day. I’m sure exhaling comes easy for you.

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Oh No-le!

Wow. I really thought Novak Djokovic was going to make some serious noise at this year’s Roland Garros. So serious that I thought he’d be able to overcome Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal back-to-back to lift that trophy. However, that will not be the case since only a shadow of Nole came to play today against Philipp Kohlschreiber. He fell in their third round meeting 4-6, 4-6, 4-6.

“I was trying not to be frustrated with a lot of unforced errors. Tried to be positive and just wait for the chances.” Djokovic said during his post-match press conference.

When you’re #4 in the world, you are not supposed to wait for your chances when playing against the #29 in the world- on any surface. Maybe it takes a couple more shots on clay but you create those chances and then you take them. Isn’t that how you were winning?

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Rafael Nadal, Dinara Safina on cruise control

World Number 1s, Rafael Nadal and Dinara Safina, are playing on cruise control in Roland Garros. Both favorites to win this tournament, they have yet to really face a good test in the first three rounds.

Rafa defeated Lleyton Hewitt routinely today 6-1, 6-3, 6-1. He has a 31-0 record here in Paris. He’s neverrrr lost in the tournament and has won the title four straight times. Rafa is looking to take a fifth trophy home next Sunday.

Dinara served breakfast again today against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-2, 6-0. Dinara, a finalist here last year, is looking to go a step further and take it home this time. A Grand Slam win will also cement her place as World Number 1!

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Maria Sharapova lives to fight another day

Another round, another 3-setter for Maria Sharapova in Roland Garros. I’m starting to believe she just wants to get as much time on court as she can for practice and tease her opponent. She defeated Yaroslava Shvedova today 1-6(!), 6-3, 6-4 to reach the fourth round of the tournament. This is the same level she reached last year before getting knocked out by Dinara Safina. Here’s to hoping she gets a little bit further this time. 10-month layoff and all.

Masha played a crap (crap!) first set. I lost UE count after the 4th game! Fortunately, or unfortunately for her opponent, she cleaned it up in the second and third sets. She found her range, especially on the backhand side, and just blew Yara off the court. She also had the best service hold the entire match while serving for it to get the W. This lady is clutch!

Masha will play Li Na in the next round.

I totally have a girl crush on her now after this presser. Pina Coladas will never be the same again.

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