Monday, June 1, 2009

I thought the winner of Britain's Got Talent was an Upset


Robert Soderling of Sweden created the biggest upset at this years French Open by defeating the King of Clay Rafael Nadal in four sets.Just 4 weeks ago Nadal had defeated Soderling 6-0 6-1 in Rome,today Soderling won 6-2 6-7 6-4 7-6.A packed Philippe Chatrier court watched on in disbelief as the Swede handed World No. 1 and reigning ATP World Tour Champion Nadal his first defeat in 32 matches (31-1 record) at Roland Garros and his first-ever loss in a best-of-five-set clay-court match (48-1). What went wrong out there today for Rafa? ,that's the questions on every ones lips,Not taking anything away from Soderling and I'm going to be bold and say right now there is no way he will win this tournament,so how did the Swede cause perhaps the biggest "boilover" in French Open History?.Reminiscent of Arther Ashe beating Jimmy Connors in a Wimbledon final Soderling kept a towel over his head at end changes exactly how Ashe kept his focus for the whole match against Connor's so did Soderling against Nadal.Soderling hit 61 winners for the match compared to Nadal's 33.He won 27 of 35 net approaches and this was very significant in the end result.Nadal who always has great depth and height with his ground strokes was always on the back foot as he could not find his normal consistency and made vital unforced errors as he wilted under the onslaught of Soderlings service power and huge forehand. The French crowd spurred Soderling on with constant chants and one must feel a little sorry for a champion such as Nadal with support well and truley for Soderling.

Nothing lasts forever and Nadal's reign has come to an end at Roland Garros, for me i would rather of seen that in the final maybe by the hands of Federer ,Good luck to Soderling however I think he has played his final for sure.Federer is looking good as is Andy Murray but after today anything is possible.I am sure Nadal did not take his opponent cheaply but be it a lesson for juniors you cant take any of your opponents lightly and its important you play your game and keep your intensity high who ever you face across the other side of the net.

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