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Rafael Nadal made history today in Paris, winning his 8th French Open title. It is an incredible feat, especially when you consider that he missed seven months from the sport with a serious knee injury and only returned to competitive action this past spring. He has only lost one match ever at the French Open (to Robin Soderling in 2009, the year Roger Federer won his only French Open title). Nadal defeated fellow Spaniard David Ferrer with ease, 6 – 3, 6 – 2, 6 – 3. It was a bit anticlimactic after the exciting semifinal match between Djokovic and Nadal which lasted five sets with Nadal winning in the fifth set, 9 – 7. Also disappointing for Ferrer who reached his first ever final of a Grand Slam tournament. Still, to beat Rafa on clay is almost impossible. He is so strong and with that loopy lefty forehand he hits with such incredible strength and power along with his superb movement, well that is why he is the King of Clay. He is the only man to win ANY Grand Slam title 8 times (Roger Federer has won Wimbledon seven times). The match was played under cool conditions, with some intermittent rain and was marred by a shirtless protestor who took to the court with a lit flare. Both players were startled, especially Nadal as he was at the end of the court that the fellow was running towards. The security team quickly nabbed him and put out the flare but it took a little time for the players to regroup from the interruption. Once they did, Nadal continued to roll, right on to his record setting title. Congrats to Rafa! He will not be playing in next week’s grass court tournament in Halle (Gerry Webber Open) so we will have to wait until Wimbledon (June 24th) to see Nadal in action again.
Ironically, David Ferrer will be ranked #4 in the world rankings which come out on Monday, and Rafa will drop to #5. Doesn’t seem logical but it all has to do with points accumulated and points defended? The long layoff for Rafa is, of course, a huge factor. Will be interesting to see how it affects the seedings for Wimbledon.
