30 Days of Tennis Challenge – Day 18: Favorite men’s outfit

Three words, one for each stripe: Three Stri Pes. (Ehhhh, poetic license?)

I’m an Adidas fanboy. There’s no reason to deny it. Since 2007, I only wear Adidas shoes. My favorite football teams – Palmeiras, Bayern München, Liverpool and Ajax – all are sponsored by Adidas, which me gusta. I have this admiration for the German company. And it’s not because of this personal preference I like their tennis apparel. Nope. It’s the other way around, in fact.

 

This one.

Jurgen Melzer’s 2009 Indian Wells outfit. Was the first tennis outfit I glanced at and said: ‘WANT!’. Even today, I’m still looking forward to acquire the green Barricade – though I’m reluctant in paying 400 bucks on a pair of shoes.

 

Special mentions:

Andy Murray, Australian Open 2011 

Rafael Nadal, Roland Garros 2010

Richard Gasquet, Lacoste 2011 

Florian Mayer/Gilles Simon, Hamburg 2011 

Roger Federer, US Open 2009 

 

Useful:

Prologue and explanation

Day 1 – Favorite men’s player

Day 2 – Favorite women’s player

Day 3 – Favorite doubles team

Day 4 – Least favorite men’s player

Day 5 – Least favorite women’s player

Day 6 – Most memorable match

Day 7 – First player you became a fan of

Day 8 – Earliest tennis memory

Day 9 – Favorite retired men’s player

Day 10 – Favorite retired women’s player

Day 11 – A player nobody would expect you to love

Day 12 – A player that you aren’t a fan of but you respect

Day 13 – Favorite Grand Slam tournament

Day 14 – Favorite non-Slam tournament

Day 15 – Most attractive women’s player

Day 16 – Most attractive men’s player

Day 17 – Favorite women’s outfit

 

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.

30 Days of Tennis Challenge – Day 4: Least favorite men’s player

When you take a first glance at the tennis game, and just like that something ticks inside you, the dots are connected and bam, love at first sight. Tennis-wise love, let make that clear. The same way it doesn’t take much to find heroes, it might take even less to have your villains – players that will haunt your existence, school your favorites and make your life miserable. Maybe not that much, but you get it.

For me, it’s not hard to name players I would love to see losing every opener they played, yessir, why not? But when it comes to naming the ‘least favorite’, the pariah of your list, well, you have to measure your words.

Because they have their own fans. Huge fans, too. So I’m just apologizing to them – I have nothing against you. I just can’t stand your favorite. Hope you have some love in store for me – even though I have none for him.

Well. Ladies and gents, I present you…

 

Wah wah

Rafael Nadal. I’m probably going to regret it at some point, but very well. We’re all being honest, right? This is probably a reminiscence of my tenure as a Fed-fan, though the Swiss himself is part of this list – and only didn’t make the top of it because I could root for him, if he plays Rafa.

If you made it to here, well, I salute you. Most of you must have probably already shut down this page and are on your way to unfollowing me on Twitter. I can’t make you change your mind, right? Life goes on.

Why I dislike Rafa, that’s the point. Why is he ranked ahead of Tipsarevic, Verdasco, Almagro and Federer. Merely because he’s a hell of a player – he doesn’t lose to mere mortals, like three of the last four do. He is always fighting for the top, and the big prizes, big money. More TV exposure = more time to increase the hate.

Plus, if there’s something I can’t stand about him is the injuries. There’s always something bothering him. Something in the foot, in the ankle, in the hair. Then he takes a MTO, and returns kicking some serious ass. Like, really????? Second place, Tio Toni. After every loss, before every big match, he always let slip something like “Yeah, Rafa’s feeling uncomfortable here and there”. Pre-loss excuse or post-win reason to say “YAYA HE’S A FIGHTER!” and stuff.

I could stay at it for pages and pages. But that’s not what I’m intended to do. Because I’ve already said enough. Thanks for listening. I’m sorry I hurt your feelings. I have nothing against you. Can we still be friends?

 

Also made the cut:

 

2- Fernando Verdasco – Underwear model, loves to DF facing MPs in Slam SFs

3- Nicolas Almagro – Textbook dick – and not in a good way.

4- Janko Tipsarevic – Tipsarechoker; Loves to beat my faves only to lose in the very next match.

5- Roger Federer – Always messes up with my faves. Problem is, he goes to win the titles. All of them. I hate this.

 

Useful:

Prologue and explanation

Day 1 – Favorite men’s player

Day 2 – Favorite women’s player

Day 3 – Favorite doubles team

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.

 

One for the books

“What a frivolous title, Pete!”, the few of you who will read this might think. “You could use the same title for every Slam!”. Yes, I could. But some of them are more historic than others – like, this Australian Open. Though I was happy to see Djokovic winning the title and completely inebriated to watch Kimmie lifting the trophy, the Aussie Open 2011 will always be… only the Aussie Open 2011.

But this Roland Garros turned out to be something else. Yes, something else. We lived the expectations of watching the completion of a Career Slam in the women’s side and the extension of an already enormous winning streak + the crowning of a new number 1. Pure history.

And yes, we got history. But from different characters.

 

Is it heavy?

It all started on Saturday, with the final of the ladies’ championship – Li Na from China and Francesca Schiavone squaring off. Li was playing her second career Slam final (Kim had spoiled her glory back in the Australian Open), just like Fran, the defending champion. And, well, for more I hate this labels, history was made: the 29-year old, against all odds, I think (didn’t see anyone listing her as a top contender), needed two sets, repeated last year’s scoreline, 6/4, 7/6, and carved her name in the list of Grand Slam champions – the first Asian player to do so. A milestone of the new world order, that’s for sure. 100% deserved, that’s also for sure – not because she ‘carries the weight of 1.3 billion’ (and a few more enthusiasts), but yes because she proved herself capable.

Enjoy it, Na.

 

Then Sunday came. “The biggest tennis show on Earth”, one said. Federer vs. Nadal, 24 meetings, more Major finals than any other pair. Nadal was seeking a record-tying sixth Roland Garros trophy, the CLAYGOAT epithet and double-digits Grand Slam titles.

 

Nadal, lifting his Courierx3 Roland Garros trophy

He made it. Because if history gets into Rafa’s way, I tell you, he will grind history away, hammering forehands and running around for four consecutive hours without even gasping. And if Rafa does that to history, you guess what he ‘do’ with Roger Federer. Nadal routines RogerFederers for breakfast. And he saves set points and triple-break points as appetizers. And now, a 7/5, 7/6, 5/7, 6/1 later, Nadal and Borg are tied. But since the Swede retired way to soon, the path is wide open for Nadal to step up and become the best player to ever walk on the shattered bricks.

Just to finish, some other milestones reached by Nadal today: 10 Grand Slams titles (only the fourth player in the Open Era to do so), 100 weeks as #1 (8^th player to do so), 6^th French Open title (the fourth over Federer), 10-2 in Major finals (must be one of the best records ever).

Streaks, Li Na, Rafael Nadal, and the French Open. 2011 will surely have a special chapter in the books.

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.

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!

The Monsters… and Bellucci

“ATP is SO AWESOME, the level of the players is so high, and the rivalries are amazing!”

Yes, it is. You’re right, undeniable. But come on now, it’s not funny anymore. Biggest proof is, Rafa and Roger – friends, but rivals – will kill themselves on a tennis court tomorrow. And this event wasn’t even overhyped!

My theory is, the final four of the big events are eternal loops now. So people are just strategically tanking the early rounds, paying attention in one or two matches, and flash forwarding their tennis love to Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

In Madrid the screenplay, mostly, had no surprises under its sleeves. Sort of. As Murray – the last element of the Big 4 – is still slumping – even though he’s not losing to American qualifiers anymore – and clay was never his best surface, one semifinal spot is technically open. And there’s where the surprised dwell.

=)

For Madrid, the outsider is Thomaz Bellucci. Yes, that’s right! I talked about him two posts ago, and I’m glad I’m at it again. Because Bellucci beat Berdych today, in straight sets, to reach his first ever Masters semifinal (last time a Brazilian had gotten this far was in 2003, in Indian Wells). From all the seeds and sleepers in Murray’s quarter, I must admit I would never bet on Bellucci. But for what is worth, he’s earning. Good luck tomorrow against Nole, kid.

I'm pretty sure he's acting. He must be getting bored.

Oh yeah, there is Nole too. He did his thing and extended The Streak up to 32 wins (30 this year). Ferrer fought, of course. Because that’s his personality. But in the end, Djokovic prevailed. So, chance for the long awaited Nole-Rafa meeting on the dirrrrrrrrrt is still alive and running.

That frustrated face of "Oh, damn, I dropped four games". I know the feeling...

Yes. Because didn’t you think Llodra could beat Nadal, did you? Rafa dropped only the insurance four games, and that was it. 74 minutes, job done, on the way to the semifinals. The Clay Monster (Monsters eat Kings for breakfasts, so) fed himself another win. I wonder if someday Rafa will just get bored.

Oh, right. There is a little rock standing between Rafa and the finals. And this “little rock” has won sixteen Grand Slams.

Today I hate you.

Routine. Can’t say anything else about Federer’s win over Robin Soderling. But that’s good, Robin, you fell in the quarterfinals to the number three. As the world number five, it’s ok to lose to the four best ranked players. But meh. It’s annoying when you play someone sixteen times and the guy is the one spraying champagne after the match point in fifteen of these occasions.

Whatever. I nicknamed these finals with the name of this post – The Monsters. And Bellucci. Because even though Bellucci did a MONSTRUOUS job, considering who he is, dismantling two top-10s en route to the final four, we cannot forget who the real deal is. Or are, in this case.

Just a curiosity: Nadal, Djokovic, Federer and Bellucci are the number 1 of their respective countries. Respect.

USEFUL PART OF THE POST – Quarterfinal results:

(1) Rafael Nadal (ESP) d. Michael Llodra (FRA) – 6/2, 6/2

(3) Roger Federer (SUI) d. (5) Robin Soderling (SWE) – 7/6 (2), 6/4

Thomaz Bellucci (BRA) d. (7) Tomas Berdych (CZE) – 7/6 (2), 6/3

(2) Novak Djokovic (SRB) d. (6) David Ferrer (ESP) – 6/4, 4/6, 6/3

Semifinals schedule:

Nadal vs. Federer – Starting not before 4 p.m. local time – Nadal leads the H2H 15-8, 10-2 on clay. Most recent meeting was in Miami semifinals (Nadal won 6/3, 6/2); Last on clay, Madrid 2010 final, Nadal won 6/4, 7/6 (5).

Djokovic vs. Bellucci – Starting not before 7 p.m. local time – Nole won their only previous meeting, in Rome last year, 6/4, 6/4.

All pics taken from Yahoo! Sports