Quickie: Compared debuting #1s stats

This is one of those few posts when blog and Twitter collide. I, the stats wizard, the master of the dark wizardries of applied numbers to give tennis standards, for the first time in a good while post an article here not expressing an opinion nor something like.

It’s a comparative, but the different kind of comparison: it’s merely a curiosity I wanted to know myself and thought you, faithful readers – and mainly Nolefans – would also appreciate to know.

Here’s the deal: After six weeks, Novak Djokovic is FINALLY debuting as the best-ranked player in the world. He tops the list at the Rogers Cup in Toronto. So, I was wondering, not sure you were too, where the former #1s – active and retired – debuted after becoming, well, the number one? Here’s what I collected:

Active players:

Lleyton HEWITT: Turned #1 on 19.11.2001. First event: Davis Cup final v. France, lost to Nicolás Escude in the first match as #1.

Juan Carlos FERRERO: Turned #1 on 08.09.2003. First event: Davis Cup semifinal v. Argentina, won the first match, d. Gaudio in 3 sets.

Andy RODDICK: Turned #1 on 03.11.2003. First event: ’03 Masters Cup; Won first match as #1, d. #7 Moyá in three sets. Outcome: Lost in the semifinals to #3 Federer.

Roger FEDERER: Turned #1 on 02.02.2004. First event: Davis Cup 1^st Round (WG) v. Romania, won the first match, d. Hanescu in three sets.

Rafael NADAL: Turned #1 on 18.08.2008. First event: ’08 US Open; Won first match over #136 Phau in straight sets. Outcome: Lost in the semifinals to #6 Murray.

 

So, funnily enough, none of the active former-#1s won the title in their first event as number 1 – tenderized by the fact three of the five debuted at Davis Cup ties. But what if we come back a little more?

Gustavo KUERTEN turned #1 on 04.12.2000, and played his first match as the leader of the ranking v. Gaston Gaudio at the 2001 Australian Open. He won, but eventually lost in the next round to Greg Rusedski.

Marat SAFIN became #1 on 20.11.2000, having the Masters Cup as his first event. He beat #7 Corretja in the first match, but ended up losing in the semifinals to #8 Agassi.

Patrick RAFTER was number one for only one week, between 26.07.1999 and the first of August; he did not play a single tournament as the #1.

Yevgeny KAFELNIKOV was the first Russian to become #1, on 03.05.1999, and played for the first time at the Rome Masters, winning the first match against #158 Woodruff, but losing in the third round to #14 Kuerten.

Pete SAMPRAS, who topped the rankings for the first time by 12.04.1993, played for the first time in Hong Kong, defeating #71 Simian in the first round and eventually claiming the title over #2 Courier.

Andre AGASSI, finally, rose to the top spot in the ATP rankings of 10.04.1995. His first event played was on the very same week he turned #1, in Tokyo. He beat #103 Ho in the second round out of a bye, and made it all the way to the final, losing then to #15 Courier.

 

(Of course, I selected some of the most recent players to turn into #1 and Agassi/Sampras. There are 25 guys to analyse, and that’s a bit too much – at least for the this post. Who knows one day?)

Uff, that’s it. Can Nole be the first player in a good while to win his first tournament as #1?

And… I hope you liked it

How it’s done + Quick considerations

“EASY STEPS TO MAKE ME LOSE ALL THE INTEREST IN A TENNIS TOURMANENT – A QUICK GUIDE”

Written by Pete S. Liguori

1. Andy Roddick.

2. Robin Soderling

3. Remove items 1 and 2 off the draw.

4. Kim Clijsters

5. Yanina Wickmayer

6. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova

7. Set the following match-ups: 4 vs. Serena Williams (3^rd Round), 5 vs. Caroline Wozniacki (2^nd Round), 6 vs. Hantuchova/Dulko, Azarenka (2^nd/3^rd round).

 

So far, the Rogers Cup fits perfectly.

The following links will redirect you to the catastrophic Toronto/Montreal draws. Quick considerations to follow.

 

Montreal Masters 1000

Toronto Premier 5

 

- Djokovic vs. Federer again in the same half of the draw. I wonder of the tennis world will collapse in case this match-up starst being only eligible in finals.

- Montreal had so many withdrawals it now looks like the Bercy Masters. Or maybe not – since the tops usually also don’t take part in the last Masters of the season.

- Djokovic is likely to play Davydenko in the second round. Del Potro, who made his only Masters final up to date at the Rogers Cup, might play the world #1 in the third round. Gael Monfils is the seed placed in Nole’s quarter, but he could have John Isner before the quarterfinals. Tough draw.

- In the lower quarter of the upper half, Gasquet and Florian will meet in the first round. Bellucci MUST beat Golubev (who the hell loses to him these days anyway?); Federer and Almagro are the highest seeds in this section. I doubt Almagro will reach the QFs. As for Federer, he has Tsonga – who beat him in Montreal/09 and Wimbledon this year – on his way. Third round.

- Lower quarter, bottom half. Nadal is placed there, just like Berdych. Haas vs. Tipsarevic – luck keeps failing Tommy; Fernando Verdasco could be Rafa’s fourth round opponent, and I’m already laughing – you should too; Gilles Simon – who put a run in Hamburg – is Berdych’s biggest challenge before the quarterfinals. Or maybe not – he will play Dolgopolov or Chovka in the second round. The way things are going, I can see Berdych losing to Dolgo, yes, rather easily, even.

- The remaining quarter – or the tasty first-rounders quarter. (8) Fish vs. Lopez/Stepanek, Gulbis/Ferrero vs. Youzhny/Llodra, Wawa/Nalbandian, winner taking on Murray in the third round. Even with Fish owning Murray recently (their H2H favors Mardy, no?), and Ernie, David, playing the wildcard, darkhorse, mad dog role, I’m still skeptical about a surprise here.

Should I take a round up with the girls? No. Definitely not. At least not now, not on this post. Will be back later. But don’t expect to see me here again today.

Grading the Grass

Oh hey, people. Been a while, no? Well, my creative mind deserved a week off. So here I am again, after Newport – and consequently, the grass season. Time for my highlights. Will cut it straight to the point, because this might get a little long.

 

The Good:

 

- Novak Djokovic – Really? I mean, really?

- Jo-Wilfried Tsonga – He beat Nadal in Queen’s, made it to the final, but lost to Murray (on a rain-delayed Monday). Next, he committed to Eastbourne, but probably realized that wouldn’t do him good and found a way to make an early exit. But of course, he wouldn’t be in this list without a significant Wimbledon run. Well, beating Federer after crawling from the wreckage with two sets down is pretty significant to me.

- Andy Murray – Won the title in Queen’s, but the Wimbledon dreams were halted once again in the semifinals, again by the same Nadal. But all the props to him. 970 points combined from two events is pretty good.

- Bernard Tomic – It’s not band-wagon-ing. Kid had a nice breakthrough in Wimbledon, beating more experienced and favored foes like Söderling and Malisse en route to a quarterfinal run. Considering he’s only 18 living in the age of no-teen wonders, he gets a thumbs up.

 

The Bad:

 

- Robin Söderling – Oh fine, you think. How can I possible put him in the “Bad” group if he mounted a comeback from two sets down to beat Hewitt? My argument is: Why was he down two sets to Hewitt, in first place? And of course, it’s valid, but he suffered beyond the healthy level with Petzschner’s slices. And got pretty schooled by Bernard Tomic in the third round of his only grass event of the season. While defending the semifinals. Plus, he hasn’t been that Soderling of the start of the year. That’s why he’s here.

Tough times, eh, Tommy?

- Tomas Berdych – Became the main favorite for Halle after Federer’s withdrawal. Made it worth until the semis, when lost to Petzschner. Ok, Petzsche is a great player, but really, Berdych was #7 at the time. And at Wimbledon, defending the finals, didn’t even come closer to the player he was last year, losing to Fish in three sets, failing to reach the quarterfinals. It’s now over two years since he won his last title. And over one since he reached a final for the last time.

- Alexandr Dolgopolov – He’s best known for his clay-court abilities, but even so, he finishes the grass swing with a 1-3 record – and a losing streak of 3. Fact is, I thought grass could fit his style. But he lost to Carlos Berlocq in Eastbourne – and Dolgo was even one of the highest seeds. He also lost to Kohls and Gonzo (o.k., so far), but really. His current form is far from impressing us, just like he did in the beginning of the year – until Miami, that is.

 

The Ugly (or the Limbo):

 

- Roger Federer – Seemed to have recovered his form after spoiling Djokovic’s perfect record and reaching the finals at the French Open. But didn’t show up in Halle – when everybody was expecting him – and lost in Wimbledon quarterfinals. Not bad. But for Federer’s standards…

- Andy Roddick – Showed some form in Queen’s, reaching the semifinals, but was easily beaten by Murray. Arrived for the third Slam of the year bearing the poor 2010 performance, made a great match against Hanescu (even inspired this post), but fell in three to Feliciano Lopez – going one step lower than the R16. Really, Roddick.

- Milos Raonic – Poor Milos. From Estoril on, turned into a mere mortal. Grass had high expectations for him, but well, just like Söd and Berd had a Petzschner on his way – and a quarterfinal exit in Halle. In Wimbledon, the bitch – acting via fate – stopped him in the first vs. Gilles Muller. Horror. Still young and the future is bright, though.

- John Isner – The title in Newport saved his grass season – even though the rematch with Mahut (randomly made, of course) and the loss to Almagro will hardly be forgotten.

 

Uh. I guess that’s it.

 

Nole’s Apotheosis

And now Novak Djokovic is forever part of the tennis heaven.

 

A few months ago, I wrote a post – which happened to never be aired – about Djokovic. In that post, I called him “the best ranked human of the ATP”, due to his capability of winning epics, like the US Open semifinal, and losing to guys like Melzer the way he did. Nine months later (? I’m terrible at math), I change my words.

Because by the US Open, I couldn’t predict he would start a winning streak ranging from the last two matches of the Davis Cup to Roland Garros – that’s like, six months. Six months without a single loss and cumulating 43 consecutive wins. And now, ahead of his first ever Wimbledon final, Novak has an astonishing record of 49 wins in his last 50 matches. *Whistles*

Prior to 2011, Djokovic hadn’t had a single win over Nadal in a final. He now has four. Consecutive. The same way he became the first man not called Roger Federer to beat Rafa in a clay final – and he did it twice. And what about the 41 wins to start the season, that earned him seven titles – one Grand Slam, four Masters, and one ATP-500 and 250?

Some things are out of question.

So let’s just take a moment to clap our hands to Djokovic, only the 25^th – of many more who ever held a racquet to play pro tennis – man to, in a 52-week span, cumulate more points than everyone else in the world.

And even though Djokovic still has plenty of time to win more and more big events, I will call it: apotheosis complete.

 

 

Finishing with a stat, when Andy Roddick – the last player not called Federer or Nadal to be #1 – was last on top, on February 1^st, 2004, Djokovic was a mere 16-year old. This measures what the Serbian just did, becoming the first to dethrone ‘Fedal’, despite the fact Nadal is on his prime and Federer is still… himself.

 

Yo, look who’s back!

I shall start this one quoting the poet: “The more things change, the more things stay the same”. I  will also write a more detailed (and apocalyptical) piece about it, but not now, not today. This post will only praise the ones who deserve all the kudos.

Roland Garros. Paris, France, June, the third, 2011. For the first time in five years the top-4 seeds reach the semifinals of a Major (since RG/2006). Scheduled to be contested today, in the 12^th day of the event, the first match to take place involved Rafael Nadal – who does not need to be introduced ET ALL – and Andy Murray – a debutant where his counterpart is already a veteran, the late stages of Roland Garros.

Nadal doing what he does best

The history of the game? Well. The important points. That’s all about it – and Nadal masters this art of being a stone cold killa, a loud but über-effective assassin. He made Andy Moo impersonate the number 150 or so, by his effectiveness in fending off break points and his capability of inflicting – and converting – them. Result? Straight sets win and a congratulations to the birthday boy – who now joins Bjorn Borg as the holder of the record of most French Open finals reached, with an astonishing number of 6 – just think Rafa and Borg combine for three losses and 11 titles at the second Grand Slam of the season (back then was the first of the year, but whatever).

But the main act… was the match that started right after. Djokovic vs. Federer. “Present” vs. “Past”. “Streak” vs. “Drought”. 43-in-a-row vs. the-last-one-to-beat-him. And boy, oh boy, the game lived up the hype. I recommend you to find a way to watch it in his entirety, if you missed it somehow, or re-watch, in case you eye-witnessed it live.

THAT "you can't beat me four-in-a-row" look. AND that "Imma gonna end ya streak" smile

My words are not enough to describe this match in all its greatness. So I’ll try to be quick, simple and objective: for me it is clear Federer’s favorite pastimes are Grand Slams. And shutting the critics’ big mouth. With style. Vintage style. Classy and perfect. Hats off to Roger. As for Djokovic, we can roam through our thoughts, wondering what if he played the quarterfinal against Fognini, or what if he held for the fourth set, forcing a fifth – that would be surely postponed until tomorrow. Of course we can, there are no fees for it. But won’t change a thing.

Won’t change the fact Nadal and Federer will battle for the French Open – just like in the ‘sainted days of yore’ (not that sainted, not that ‘of yore’ either). As for Nole, he does better finding a Swiss flag and getting himself a seat in Fed’s box – if Roger wins, he will take over the world #1 on Monday.

Also doesn’t change the fact the only thing left for Federer to accomplish in his career is a win over Nadal on the holy French clay. One of his best – I bet my ass off he’s feeling as pumped as ever – and maybe last – since he’s aging, let’s face it – chances to do so.

And albeit a Fedal wasn’t my dream final, I surrender. Fuck it. Just give me popcorn and some epicness.

Quick take on RG draw

Yahoo! Sports

The wait is over. By now, we have already made plans, traced paths for our faves and wondered the outcome of both earlier and further rounds. Because that’s what we do, as tennis fans.

We also blog about it. A lot. So, there is a draw analysis galore out there – good analysis and stuff. But I just could not let go the opportunity to add my two cents. There we go

Rafa’s draw is easy (until the QFs, I hope) – I haven’t seen a consensus about it, but really, I don’t see how John Isner (barely wins matches these days) could be a tricky opener for Nadal. After Nadal gets past him, a virtual walkover vs. either Giraldo or Andujar, then Cuevas or Davydenko.

Davydenko even leads the H2H against him – one of the few players to do so – but after winning his 21^st career title, in Munich, Koyla hasn’t won a single match. The five-time champ would just steamroll over him. I even dare to think Cuevas could be a better match-up (for tennis).

In the fourth round, PHILIPP KOHLSCHREIBER, SAM QUERREY, IVAN LJUBICIC, SOMDEV DEVVARMAN, TURSUNOV, MALISSE, MONACO OR VERDASCO will challenge Rafael Nadal.

He must lead them by a combined 82-2. Or something like. But another Nadal-Soderling clash in Roland Garros (for the third straight year) is tasty, though.

Really? – The top-3 Americans in the French Open were drawn in Nadal’s quarter. Beside John Isner, who opens (and probably also closes) his participation against him, Querrey gets Kohls in the first round. IF he survives, plays the winner of Ljubicic or Devvarman. In a possible third round, Sam would play probably the clay rats Verdasco or Monaco. Enough?

Fish, the 10^th seed, opens against Ricardo Mello (Mello must have already played around 6 Americans this year). Doable. Then Gimeno-Traver or Haase. Not easy, but yeah, he could survive. But a possible third round meeting with Chardy, Dimitrov or Simon?

Verdasco vs. Monaco might be a good match-up for girls to watch – But I’m not expecting a good match nor looking forward to watch it.

It doesn’t get much better – For Andy Murray. Drawn in the middle of three qualifier, Andy Moo opens against local Eric Prodon (and Murray is having some record against random local qualifiers, I must remind you). Don’t think he will go down. Bolelli or Dancevic are next for him. I’m think here 6-0 in sets arriving in the third round. Milos Raonic might be a problem.

Might. Then I just want Dolgopolov to have enough good days to book an Aussie Open QF rematch with Murray in the 4^th round. Because it would be just awesome, mainly on clay.

I don’t care what you’re gonna say, I really believe it – Florian Mayer in the semifinals of a Grand Slam? Only Kunitsyn, Falla/Potito standing between him and the third round. Almagro could be his toughest foe. If he manages to defeat him, Melzer or Chela would be a big deal, but perfectly beatable. In a possible quarterfinal meeting with Murray (or someone else)…well. No-one would bet a single penny on Jurgen last year, right?

I’m sorry, Melzer, but I believe – Your days as a top-10 are about to end. Beck, Roger-Vasselin or Rosol, o.k. But unless he brings some momentum to Roland Garros (after some sad losses in the last two Masters prior to it), Juan Ignacio Chela could pull an upset.

Golden chance – For Ferrer to match, maybe even set a new, best at the French Open. Nieminen first, Jules (ranks second amongst my picks to win the tournament, after FloMo) second, no problems against Nishi or Stakh in the third, God knows if Monfils will survive until the fourth round.

Let’s a picture quarterfinal meeting between Federer and Ferrer. Fed, as usual, leads the H2H by an abnormal advantage, and will always be the favorite in a five-setter. But seriously, I would not be surprised in case the Spaniard finally fulfills the expectations and reaches the final four for the first time.

Would you?

In the paper… – Roger Federer’s path is hard. Only in the paper. I don’t think Feliciano can keep up with him, unless Roger is in a bad Federer day. Let’s not even waste space with the second round. Janko Tipsarevic is the seed drawn to play him in the third round. In the fourth?

Tsonga – schooled back in Rome – and Wawrinka – walkover. No scares, and Rodgie can already count with the total defense of his 180 points.

HE IS BACK – News of the year: Tommy Haas hasn’t officially retired yet. Back to the pro-tour, as a German again, he plays Marsel Ilhan in the first round. It will be his first match since Delray Beach, last year. Last time he played on clay, Roland Garros/09. I don’t care, just give him a show court already!

Oh yeah, and he is back too – Lleyton Hewitt, sidelined from the circuit since having a foot surgery, back in Indian Wells, opens against Albert Montañes. Not the best first rounder for the former no.1, but oh well.

Good news, bad news – For Gaskay. Good: He has nothing to defend (remember that uber chokage vs. Murray last year?) and making his way through the R16 is not an absurd. Bad: He is likely to play the winner of DelPo and Nole. Certainly gets on his way for further dreams.

So unfair – I really want Nole to take over the #1 in Roland Garros. I also really want Del Potro to have a deep run. Unfortunately for me, they’re set to play each other in the third round. Unfortunately (again), in my opinion, JMDP’s lack of rhythm will spoil all the fun, though.

LONG – this post is

FUN – I want you to have

ALL – Is this for now.

Amazement

Superpowers, activate // Pic: Yahoo! Images

Am I late? Yes, I am. A lot? Considerably. But whatever. This post was supposed to be released on Saturday, then postponed to Sunday, but I had a full day, and Monday beat the hell out of me. So, it’s Tuesday. And I hope you’re gon’ like it anyway.

Back to Rome, now a case closed, I could not help my jaw from dropping, as Murray and Djokovic alternated the momentum during the second semifinal. After the first set, it seemed Nole was going to routine his British counterpart, but Murray stepped up, made Corretja proud and said: “Not without a fight”.

It was a great match, regardless of who would leave the court victorious – and, in a certain moment of the match, I could even bet a nickel The Streak would be halted, right there, right then, by the first man to finish runner-up to it.

(I’m also not good with people saying Murray chocked, chickened, shrunk his arm, suffocated, dug his head in a hole, yellow-ed [I don’t know if this works in English, but anyway, I think some Brazilians read my blog and they will understand], etc. It just… happened)

But he didn’t. It may have changed a lot – since I’m not sure whether Murray could pull an upset on Nadal, but as we always say, “If” does not exist. Nole finished him, chalked another victory to his professional record, improved his H2H against Andy, and on to the semifinals.

Then here, I would have written another post, but once again, did not have time. My intentions were to rant about the uberdominance Djokovic and Nadal are imposing to the circuit right now, and how it sucks and is not good for the sport. But I will leave it to another opportunity.

But ohh, Tennis Gods, you love to contradict me and shut me up. Sunday we had an amazing, this all of you who watched know – a savage meeting between Nole’s massive forehand and backhand and an overwhelmed Nadal, featuring some abusive angles, celebrations after service holds and an out-of-this-Earth display of tennis.

The outcome? The Streak lives, bigger and stronger than ever – like a Monster – and now Djokovic controls his own fate. He’s depending only on himself to complete his apotheosis, dethrone Nadal, and proclaim himself King, right on Rafa’s backyard.

But nevertheless, I’m amazed. I’m amazed how greatly Murray played in that semifinal, maybe the best he’s ever played on clay. I’m amazed how Djokovic has some extra gas to burn, and how he looked fresh in the final after looking nearly gone in the semis. I’m amazed how he’s breaking records, and how he’s playing Nadal on clay. I’m amazed how he can take over the number 1 at the French Open – just like Nadal did last year and Federer started doing in 2009. I’m amazed how excited I’m for Roland Garros in ages – even though it’s predictable how it will end.

So, I never thought I’d say this before Nadal’s retirement, but oh well.

“Bring on Roland Garros”.

No Superstitions

Friday. Last day of the week, the start of the weekend, night lights, party, FUN FUN FUN. Oh, but the calendar is telling me today is the 13^th day of the month. So what? I don’t think any of you believe Friday the 13^th is a bad omen or something. But if somehow you do, Rome quarterfinals have three strong reasons to convince you to stop believing that breaking a mirror will give you seven years of bad luck.

First – Rafael Nadal defeats Marin Cilic, 6/1, 6/3

 

"I'm still the number one haaaaaaaaa" / Pic: Yahoo! Images

There are no black cats enough in the world to jinx Rafa. And I’m pretty serious. Rafa, who was allegedly feverish and kind of ill the whole week, took care of Marin in 1h25. He didn’t face a single break point the entire match, and now Cilic can’t be cocky about being one of the few players to have a non-negative record against Nadal – Rafa now leads 2-1. In the semifinals, the five-time champion plays Richard Gasquet, whom he leads 8-0. Gasquet has captured some momentum in Italy, but is it enough to beat Rafa?

Rhetorical question.

Second – Andy Murray breadstick(ed), breadstick(s) and breadstick(s) Florian Mayer, 1/6, 6/1, 6/1

 

"Not that it's a superstition or something like, but I am definitely NOT GOING to cut my hair now I'm winning" // Pic: Yahoo!

Say what you will. “Murray plays like crap on clay”; “Florian Mayer is now top-20 material (!)”; “Andy is still slumping”. But it doesn’t change a thing. Even though Florian is having the best year of his career (Surprisingly, he’s already a 27-yo veteran), Murray was the favorite, simply because he is Andy Murray.

The first set may have felt like walking under a ladder. But, as you know, Murray has the luck of Scottish, so fool superstitions can’t touch him. Nor could Florian – Murray faced only two BPs in the next two sets, returned the first’s scoreline in double and sealed his way to the semifinals – he is the first Briton to reach the final four in Rome. 2011 is also his first season ever with multiple clay semifinals, though he still needs to reach his first final.

Last and least – Novak Djokovic (Mars) def. Robin Soderling (SWE) – six-three, six-nothing

 

I know what you're thinking. Yes, they DO have weaknesses. Try water next time. // Pic: Yahoo! Images

It’s done. Nole spilt salt on R-Sod’s wounds. Earth’s last hope even had a positive start, breaking his opponent in the opening game from love. But he couldn’t keep the advantage, and when Novak got back on serve, we knew the biggest chance to kill that monster had been lost. Robin even kept toe-to-toe with him, but after six games he desperately hail-maried (Did I successfully translate Hail-Mary into a verb?) and gambled his last stamina to try a break, but meh, he failed.

Djokovic then used his inhuman, never-ending resources. He then left the court and went for a walk. In a park. Soderling tried to cool things down, went to the locker room, maybe even had an illegal coaching session with someone. But it didn’t even tickle The Alien On The Other Side Of The Net (TAOTOSOTN). Djokovic finally dished his second bagel of Rome, and repeated his opener’s scoreline, in the quarterfinals, against a top-5.

Unreal.

Oh yeah, that was also the ultimate proof of alien supremacy. There is nothing we can do now. Expect them to be marching over in our main cities some time real soon.

DA STATS

 

Nadal plays Gasquet, 2^nd on Centrale tomorrow, not before 2 p.m., seeking his 5^th Masters final of the year. He leads the H2H, 8-0.

Murray will try to be the first man to beat Djokovic since November, not before 8 p.m., also on Centrale. Djokovic leads the H2H, 5-3, and in case you have already forgotten, they played this year in the Australian Open final. Was a monster performance by Nole, who wasn’t threatened the whole match.

 

Streaks. And their executioners

I know, I know, the earthquake was predicted to hit Rome yesterday (11/05), but if I were you I would start worrying like, now.

Hands shaked. This time, for a different winner // Yahoo! Images

Why? Well, because Richard Gasquet rallied from a one set, one break deficit to win a dogfight in two tie-breaks. That, by itself, is already a great deed, given the circumstances. But COME ON, he beat Federer. Yes, Federer, who, since losing their first meeting barely over six years ago, never lost to him again – including two Masters finals on which Roger spoiled young Richie’s dreams.

Picturing it: this win not only gave Gasquet his first win against Federer after eight consecutive losses, but also spoiled Federer’s 19 consecutive quarterfinals (PS: Some people say it’s 20, but I don’t consider the World Tour Finals, since there are no QFs) – last time he had missed the final 8 was… in Rome, after dropping his opener to Ernests Gulbis. Gasquet now survives another round and plays Berdych for a semifinal spot.

That’s two streaks broken. By Gasquet. Against Federer. Not enough to bring the Coliseum to the ground, but should be enough to make you wonder if this is the real world.

And talking about real world and Coliseum, I could clearly picture Soderling – a.k.a. King Sod – and Nicolás Almagro – a.k.a. Top-10 – as two gladiators, battling on whatever the Coliseum floor is made of (but it looks like clay), trying to behead each other. I rejoiced. Of course, that’s because Soderling won – and he played some heck of awesome points too.

Show him who's the real fucking deal // Pic: Yahoo! Images

They fiercely battled through three sets, all decided by a single break, and it was always clear they are not BFFs – thank God of Tennis for that; I could even put an add-on here, but would extend the post, so game on – Soderling’s reaction after the match point says it all. It says, “In your face, Top-10!”. We love you, Robin.

Elsewhere, Nole won. Of course, what else? But he already shows signs he’s ready. Ready to lose. Just like in his match against Bellucci, Nole had a slow start and looked edgy, even having relatively long monologues with his box, even so managing to find some extra oil to burn, some extra cash to spend, or whatever is the expression, from the 9^th game of the 1^st set on.

Nole says: "I can breakdance and bagel you AT THE SAME TIME" // Yahoo! Images

He ended up claiming his win number vierunddreizig (go translate) of the season. 6/4, 6/1. Kudos to Wawrinka for fighting hard and avoiding the bagel. Nole is also in the quarterfinals.

And what does Fate have in store for us? Soderling – a.k.a. King Sod, far from being one of the most loved, charismatic players on tour, known for his prick-ish behavior – and Djokovic – a.k.a. Nole, the opposite. Nole’s triumph: 34 consecutive wins; confidence. Soderling’s triumph: the best part of the post. Even deserves its own paragraph.

Robin Soderling is the first – and, as of today, remains the only – man, woman or mutant to have sent Nadal home at Roland Garros. This I don’t have to remind you. Soderling also ended Federer’s streak of consecutive Grand Slam semifinals. All of these astonishing achievements came on the same clay, but clay is clay (and contrariwise – just started loving this word). So, R-Sod checks his little Evil black book, and already see crosses beside Nadal and Federer names.

I bet my ass he is doing pen tricks right now, looking with glee at Nole’s name. Because that would be a hat-trick. And the job would be complete (Andy Moo has never put up such a streak).

Oh the details? Djokovic and King Sod will wrestle tomorrow under all the spotlights – and the Killing Moon (if you have to Google it, shame on you) of Rome – on the Italian Tennis Coliseum – alias: Centrale. Djokovic leads the H2H, 5-1, but Robin won the last, back in the ’09 Masters Cup.

All I can think is: Instant classic. And, after that, FIGHT!

Pride.

Some losses put you down, hurt you. Some of them make you proud.

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Thomaz Bellucci’s last match in Madrid today, on which he fell to Novak Djokovic in three sets, is one of those belonging to the second group.

Needless to talk about ’11 Djokovic. His streak is well-known to all tennis fans. What is – or, at least, and I hope, was – still obscure to some of us is the 23-year old Brazilian who played him today.

And how did he! He kept top-to-toe with the world no.2 for one set and a half. He even took the first, playing a much more solid tennis and looking way more alive than Djokovic, 6/4. Bellucci’s backhand was tuned in today, so was his serve – I even commented he looked to be possessed by the spirit of Mark Ivanisamprasoddick.

In the second? He kept it coming! While Nole was looking weary and impatient, Bellucci kept hitting winners, moving the Serbian and even breaking him in the early moments of the set.

Unfortunately, and for some reasons – the biggest of them being Nole’s awakening in the middle of the second set – he couldn’t keep it. Djokovic put all his experience, in big points, big matches, decisions, on the table, and that’s when the tide turned. He broke Bellucci twice to take the second, 6/4.

In the third, the big serves were already gone; the backhand was back to his usual shakiness, and Bellucci didn’t resemble a great clay-courter anymore, but this doesn’t change a thing.

Bellucci fought, made the deepest run of his career (Masters SF > Umag + Santiago titles), and showed to himself he CAN play at a high level. Thank you, Bellucci. For making us Brazilians proud, for dragging the eyes of the entire nation to tennis again.

Good luck in Rome. And hope to see you playing on Fridays and Saturdays – and why not, even on Sundays – more often.

Muito obrigado, Thomaz.