All of this talk about commentators and hearing the often incorrect predictions of Gilbert and others makes me realize once again how much I miss Arthur Ashe.

Maybe it's because I was a kid - but he was so freaking awesome in his commentary for HBO when it covered Wimbledon. HBO's coverage of Wimbledon was the greatest. I was a young girl at the time, but that coverage really solidifed my love of the sport. Sniff...

For anyone else who was a child or older in the 1980s- and I just remembering the past to fondly or was Ashe not just awesome, even if he did wear funny glasses?

I think it's fair to say that if FedEx wins this, he's pretty much going to make a calendar Grand Slam too. He has no challenger at Wimbledon, and very few at the US Open.

And now for something complete different: I forgot to post this earlier, but Supersport Asia showed Groenefeld's player notes during her match with JHH, and two of the points on her sheet were "Pump fist before point" and "Take away her inside..." (the rest was hidden by the fold). That totally cracked me up.

Then one of the commentators (with an Australian accent) said that Groenefeld's coach was videoing the match and taking notes, and the other commentator replied, "Yeah, he's written a whole paragraph on that error." and I cracked up again. Alas, my mother, who was in the room but not watching, now thinks I'm mental.

Pffft. It's just so damn predictable when H-H and Clijsters play, no? I heard one of the commentators say that their overall record is nearly even, but on the big stage it always seems to be Henin. At least every time I can remember. I've always liked Kim better and I've completely gone off Henin since the Australian, so this disappoints me. Henin's got the game (well, they both do) and she's generally very tough with some beautiful shots but I can't care about her at all anymore.

Last night I was catching up on the Fed-Ancic quarterfinal and saw a brief interview with Clijsters and my word that is one ridiculously NICE young woman! Made me pull for her even more. Justine may be very nice too but I've never noticed the evidence of it. Well, I would've been pulling for Kuznetsova anyway just cause she has only one slam.

Looking forward to the men's semis very much, though I'm plenty nervous about Fed vs Nalbandian. I quite like Nalby but I love Fed. The more Brad Gilbert talks about how he thinks this is looking like Roger's year blah-blah-blah, the more I totally doubt that he will win the French. Brad inspires anti-confidence with his picks.

I can't believe I'm going to be in training tomorrow (in the middle of nowhere in Alabama!) and won't be able to watch Roger play Nalbandian. I always like their matches, and I expect a really good one. As of right now, I've been barely able to watch FO this year. Sniff.

I have to say, though, that I'm not missing Gilbert at all. I've never liked him and never will. I've gotten used to other commentators, but Gilbert just grates.

I missed the women's semis. I expected JHH to win, but I so wanted Kim to put up a better fight. The Sveta-JHH final should be a good one. Kutzy CHOKED so badly last year against JHH. She definitely has something to prove.

Yep, everytime he calls the outcome a match i pray he doesn't pick my fav, come to think of it since he's so uber excited and absolutely sure that it'll be a fed/nadal final, i'm starting to think one of them may get upset. Please please please don't let it be Roger

Dammit Kimmie! disappointment again, as usual justine seems to find some higher gear whenever they play, still i didn't expect it to be this one sided. So glad that sveta was able to tough it out today, after having mps against the 04 and 05 champions i really hope she wins it this year

In fact, I think Clijsters was leading the rivalry before the match, and still is, I think. Which is strange, because, other than the French semi a few years back, I feel like I'm always watching Kimmie come up short.

I didn't see the match, but this is a huge disappointment. It seems like she didn't want it enough. Apparently she had been discussing on her website all the fun things she could do if she lost early at the French. Shouldn't she have more of a sense of urgency about these matches if she's retiring at the end of next year? I realize that she's much too well-adjusted to have JHH's level of competitiveness (this is in fact a reason why I am such a big Kim fan), but she is a professional athlete, and it seems just bizarre that she was not more pumped up about this tournament.

I just don't get Kim Clijsters, what is her deal? I hate Henin-Hardenne with the fire of ten thousand suns but that bitch seems to find a way to play amazing in the big matches and Kim always blows a big fat raspberry. I was rooting for her so hard, but when the match was over I felt just a little disgusted with her errors, she had shots lined up for days, had Justine on the run but then she wouldn't put it away, so wierd.

For those who dislike Brad Gilbert you may be in luck - there was a report today on BBC radio that he's talking to both the British LTA and Andrew Murray about coaching (could be about becoming Murray's coach, or a more general role with the revamped LTA). Apparently the sticking point may be cash, because they'd have to pay him well considering his record and how much he must be making doing the things he's doing now. He might continue with some of the TV work, but chances are that if he takes a coaching post you'll at least see less of him.

I hear ya, BoozeGood. I thought she had changed her ways at the U.S. Open, with those amazing matches against Sharapova and especially Venus, but maybe not. I hope this kind of play is now limited to clay courts, and that she'll get back on track for hard and grass.

The record was 10-9 in Kim's favour before the match, and is now even.

And as a JH-H supporter in the face of all the fiery hatred, I just have to say, and.....wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! I thought she did really well against Kim. Obviously Kim was making a LOT of mistakes and her forehand was atrocious, but I think the commentators had a point - against almost anyone else, Kim would have had a lot of winners, but Juju chases everything down and I'm pleased to see her form looks to be peaking for the final.

I like Kuzy too and was a little worried that she wasn't going to make it, the way she was playing against Vaidisova but loved how she just charged through the third set. She has the potential to take the title away from H-H if she can strike the first blow. Should be a great final, provided it doesn't wind up being a repeat of the Australian Open fiasco.

I second that! It seems like I'm always a supporter of __________ in the face of all the hatred.
I like Kim too, but I liked it that Henin was (good-naturedly) not having any of her "clay isn't my best surface, the edge should go to JHH" talk.

I'm a fan of both Belgians (actually a lot of Belgians -- Rochus brothers!), so I didn't really mind who won. I was more concerned for Kuznetsova that she didn't flake out against Vaidisova, who looks too much like Sharapova for my liking, and plays too much like her too.

I hadn't thought about this in a while, but I think you're right. He was so analytical and articulate.

I used to love the HBO coverage until I hated it, and figured I'd just had my fill of that horribly smug Jim Lampley and his Ken hair, but your post made me realize that what made it become unbearable was losing Ashe. He was an island of thought and reason amid the squawking of Billie Jean King and the overall ickiness of Lamps. Adding insult to injury, didn't they add Chris Freakin' Collinsworth, too? Gator or not, that guy's an asshole. But certainly, losing Ashe killed their coverage. (And losing Ashe was a crushing blow to tennis in general.)


Man I hope so. He's a fantastic coach and I like Murray and anything that shuts him up is okay by me. I think that's a winning proposition all around and I hope he realizes that he really does belong as a coach and not a commentator because that's where his talents genuinely lie.

Well damn, I'm only gonna barely pay attention to the ladies final now. I HATE JH-H & Kuznetsova just bores me for some reason. Bring on the men's semis. Go David n Ivan!

I hear that, Adina J. Luthor. More than anything else (think dangling earrings on a tennis court), it's the grunting that bothers me. It's like she took a page out of the Sharapova jet engine manual.


Well, so much for David. Poor guy. Up 6-3 and 3-0 and then he goes and strains something. I don't know what commentating by ESPN was like, but the Aussie commentators were really tearing into him, saying it was really disappointing how he had called a three minute injury timeout and spent it talking instead of getting treatment (later during the changeover he had some liniment applied to his midsection and they just glossed over that) and how he was probably only doing it because he was losing and wanted to regroup and what a shame it was for the game in general and so on. I've never before wanted so much to slap two heads together to get them to shut up.

I'm watching Ivan take on Rafa now...vamos, Rafa!

Funny, I used to feel that way about Kuznetsova but she's really growing on me. She seems very real and honest, and she's been playing some fantastic tennis the last little while. And she actually seems to be pretty good at taking advantage of her opportunities career-wise; she's building quite the impressive tennis c.v. for herself.

Also, and pardon me for coming off a superficial ass, but she also looks much less freakish now that she has the braces off -- a litle more normal these days.

I hope Roger can get it together for Sunday. A slow start like that is not going to work against Nadal, or possibly even Ljubicic.

Wait! What's happening? We're supposed to have semifinal coverage right now on NBC - and it's some crazy inlaws of celebs bs on Today.

I'm freaking out! Is this happening everywhere? Is this just a Central Time Zone thing? TiVo and I are very confused - not too mention irate!

That's a shame. Although I wanted Federer to win, it seems like Nalbandian was playing some stellar tennis even according to Fed:

You gotta hate to see someone who's playing well have to concede defeat because of an injury no matter who you're rooting for. I hope Fed pulls it together for Sunday.

Who in the what now?? Damn, obviously I forgot that NBC is tape-delayed. I was checking in on the Fed-Nalbandian match and the last score I saw was Roger serving at 0-1 in the 2nd, then I came here and - it's over! Threw me for a minute there. I still feel a little confused (why yes, yes, I am easily confused) and with mixed emotions.

I definitely wanted Roger to win, but of course I wanted him to actually win, not get a default. I'll take solace in the fact that he had turned it around, my first reading here gave me the impression that David retired at 6-3, 3-0, which - no. Anyway, I feel bad for Nalbandian, he must be hugely disappointed, but at least it doesn't sound like the kind of injury that will keep him out too long. Clay's not his best surface anyway, right? Isn't it hardcourt?

And the end result is what I wanted - Roger in the final. Now I'm busy limiting my expectations and telling myself that hey, it's his first French Open final and even if he doesn't win, that IS progress, right? Right? Except I'm having trouble convincing myself of that since if he loses it will probably be to Nadal, same as last year, just a round later. Hmpf, not to mention all the other times.

I've enjoyed the French this year, plenty of entertaining matches, good play, interesting outcomes, new names, etc. Onward to the finals - the women I'd like to see Kuznetsova win but I'm not terribly invested either way. Men for me is all Roger as it always is, but a loss to Nadal sure wouldn't be a crushing surprise. I like Nadal so I'll be happy for him if that's the way it goes but .... I never want anyone, anytime to beat my favorite. Heh, screw variety and rivalry, win em all.

That's how I used to feel when I cheered for Sampras to win his 13th and 14th major titles.

And with Roger, we have someone who truly has the potential to win them all . Fingers crossed that he comes through on Sunday!

I like the fact that Roger copped to not having slept last night for nerves, etc. And that he joked about not sleeping at all from now until Sunday!

After my earlier panic, I realized not to subtract the hour from ET - but that I'd get to see everything in its entirety.

Do I reveal myself to be completely deluded if I tell you I woke up/turned on the computer at 6-3, 3-0 and stood by my patio door facing East toward Paris and sent my best vibes - and now believe that to be the key???

Actually, I guess it would mean that I then hurt DN, and that's the last thing I'd want to do.

Sad about the slight exchange between Ljubicic and Nadal that the BBC reported - though I feel the press conference etiquette has deteriorated quite a bit among the reporters. It's hard not to think that they're purposefully provoking the players against each other. I swear they're like my 8th-grade students. They're probing for critical comments from the players and then inauthentically representing them to the opponent. I guess I noticed it more with some of the early rounds.

Anyway, can't wait until Sunday! Anyone know if we're getting a tape delay?

It's scheduled for 9am-2pm eastern on Sunday so, no it should be live.

The ladies are live too at 9am-12noon on Saturday.

I don't know if I can watch the final on Sunday. I think I might be too nervous! I would so hate for Roger to lose, again, to Nadal. This is history, really, and I would hate for Nadal to spoil it.

Is ESPN having any more coverage this weekend?

I was so nervous for Roger today, how am I going to be able to stand to watch the final?!!!

I really like Federer's combination of honesty about frailty and honesty about pride in his ability.

And, hey, how 'bout that miraculous forehand down the line in the second set? Shot of the year so far.

I'm mildly interested in the women's final. With this current crop of players I think the only thing that would have made the final more than mildly interesting would have been Amelie trying to win it. Then I would definitely have been pulling for her. Otherwise, I'll be okay either way. I'll be rooting for Sveta because she really seems like a good egg.

I'd read the comments before I watched the match. Nalbandian was playing out of his mind and it really did look like Federer was in for a quick exit. Too bad for Nalbandian. He may be too earnest and a bit too dour, but damn if he doesn't make the most of what he has. I'm glad Ted Robinson put the kibosh on McEnroe's implications that there was something funny about the retirement.

I will also say that at least Federer did pull it together and started making some beautiful shots. Here's hoping the weather cooperates with him. For all his tennis smarts, he also lets the little things rattle him more than they should. Also, I hope Roche can convince him that the match, much like the one in Rome, really is on Roger's racquet. Win or lose, it will be all because of him. He's put in the work so he has the game, he just needs to actually believe that at those critical moments he can win the match.

As great as Nadal is on clay, he didn't win the Rome final as much as Roger let it slip from his grasp. With both men playing at their best, I give Federer the slight edge because he's more of a shotmaker than Nadal, but maintaining one's best play over a best of five set match is impossible. But Nadal goes into those critical points knowing he's won three straight against Federer this year, and two on clay...and so does Federer.

Gah...Sunday will be nervewracking.

Amen to all three of you. I have the natural excuse for being sleep-deprived (an infant), so I'm saving face with family/friends and not owning up to the truth - though a couple of them suspect it anyway.

Did anyone watch the piece (was it ESPN?) did about tomorrow's final, where Rafa was talking about wanting to be number one - and how Roger can't win forever and when he stops, etc....

I realized at that moment that in my gut I've been thinking the exact opposite! I keep thinking that Rafa won't be able to maintain his style and physicality, and if Roger can just hang on....

It was interesting to me, because I didn't realize it before Rafa articulated it. I guess I was thinking back to the marathon Miami final, when I think Carillo was talking about how he's going to need to conserve energy to be a long-term factor in mens' tennis....

All you JH-H haters should ignore this post.

Well done, her! Fantastically played second set, I thought. I was really impressed with Kuzy for playing aggressive and solid tennis, but at the end experience won out, and once Juju turned on the heat and broke, it was her all the way. She knew it, Kuzy knew it, and the entire stadium knew it!

Despite only 51% first serves in, she managed to rattle off three aces to none. People make so much of her backhand and footwork that they neglect her amazing service returns. The woman has game!

Now, if only Nadal could make it a double by defending his title too.

You're not the only one thinking this. Even Wertheim mentioned that Nadal's style of play has never lent itself to longevity at the top. Specially since so much of it is based on quickness, once you lose half a step you can't produce the way you did before.

I felt bad for Svetlana. I think she's so nice, and I actually like her game. But even when not playing her best, JHH is just a better player. I can't help loving her game. And she really played the most important points well. I thought we were going to three sets at the beginning of the second. JHH was looking really tired there for a while. I know she's doing a lot less training than she used to when she was at her best in 2003. She's a lot thinner now, and you can really see it in her thighs. I wonder what her fitness level really is. She didn't look too well out there today.

Anyway, here's to Roger beating capri-wearing Nadal tomorrow. I fully expect Nadal to win, but I can most definitely hope for an upset.

Hell, Nadal couldn't get through all of last season without his body breaking down a little. It doesn't get easier the longer you're on tour. I think both players are posturing and saying what the reporters want to hear, but I have to believe that Nadal is fully aware that his entire career at this point is based upon two things: clay supremacy and owning Federer. In the grander scheme of things, he needs the win tomorrow more than Federer just to maintain his reputation. His consecutive match win streak, his win last year, even his record over Federer is rendered moot if Federer wins. He'll be the first man in 40 years to hold all four Slam titles. A 59 match win streak on clay doesn't seem nearly as impressive when stacked up against an all-time historical achievement.

Meanwhile, a Nadal win is to be expected. Federer for the first time in two and a half years is the underdog. I'm expecting the French crowd to be behind him from jump. He wants the win, and it would certainly vault him at least to Sampras status, but a loss wouldn't diminish him. There's always next year, and contrary to Nadal's statements, it's the defensive players who only seem to have a couple of good years in them. Looked at objectively, Federer, despite a piss poor record against Nadal, is the one who has less external pressure.

Roche is an intellectual coach and I'm sure he grasps the psychological issues both players are facing. The question is, is he able to articulate all the pressure Nadal has so that Federer can keep his head in the match. And if not, can he impress on Federer how important it is not to let Nadal stall. If he's nervous and tense maybe he can pressure the chair umpire to take Nadal out of his comfort zone of taking too much time between points to throw his opponent off.

But Nadal could look to Muster as someone to look up to. He peaked around 26.

I am sure that Nadal knows that everyone expects for his career to be shortlived, as that is what is said frequently in the tennis articles and on the boards, where some who don't like him are gleefully rubbing their hands in anticipation of his downfall. But there are other players who have done well. Even though Chang did not win another GS- he was a better player when he was around 23 than he was at 17 imo.

And I don't think there was anything wrong in Nadal's sentiments. He was not going- Federer will break down and won't be a winner any more, it was more along the lines of, as when Federer goes more towards the end of his career, maybe I will have a chance at number one. And that is a good atttitude to have- should he just say- I will never be a number one, my body will break down- so why bother even contemplating this.

I do think that Nadal could have a shorter career- but that is could- not will. He and his uncle have said that they are aware of the toll that all of the tennis is taking on his body and want to try to rectify it by being more aggressive and playing fewer tournaments. I don't think we should dance on his tennis grave quite yet.

I do agree that Nadal has as much on this win as Feds. If Rafa loses, I am sure that we will hear stuff along the lines of "he's over-rated," "couldn't even win on his best surface," etc.

I totally agree, Chesty, and didn't mean to give the impression that I thought there was; only that I (as a complete Fed-head!) hadn't even contemplated that option. But I was actually pretty glad to hear it: I think it's very forward-thinking on his part, and might be the key to his own longevity - maintaining a clear goal.

I don't read any other boards - and I have to say I'm really glad. I would hope the rhetoric no matter what the outcome tomorrow will only honor the accomplishments of both opponents - as the broadcasters seem to be doing a good job at.

How much do I miss PMac? I thought Ted's comments to Johnny Mac about PMac being the favored brother were hilarious. What I really wish for tomorrow is that it were Cliffy and PMac calling the action. Their reverence for the moment has been moving just in the snipets we've had the chance to see.

Me too. As someone who is a big fan of both players, I am hoping for a tightly fought match with congrats to the winner and acknowledgements for the runner up tomorrow.

I'll freely admit I'm no fan of Nadal's, but it's not just in loss of conditioning that defensive baseliners like Nadal can falter. Their game is pretty basic and easy to deconstruct. Repetition is a defensive players worst enemy and with each passing year, as more players get used to the way Nadal plays, his own play will probably stagnate. He'll attempt to add some variety, but he's pretty much pinned to the baseline and as such will have a more difficult time learning to play from anywhere else on the court.

Just look at the two players who held the number 1 spot before Federer. Once they were figured out, they settled into their rightful "top 10" positions. It's unlikely either will ever even get back to #2 let alone #1 and they can improve in certain areas but that doesn't negate the fact that once they were figured out they became less intimidating. Nadal faces that same obstacle.

Muster's an anomaly ecause his career was interrupted midway through with the car accident. Who knows how great, or not, he would have been, and his peaking at 27 was a function of that. Plus, he was a clay courter before the injury. Nadal claims he wants to be greater than that.

But if you want to look historically, the last time Nadal's playing style dominated the sport was Jimmy Connors. Since then it's been Borg, McEnroe, Lendl (was he a baseliner? I just remember his teeth), Becker/Edberg, Sampras and now Federer. Agassi stepped into the breach and convinced people he was much better than he really was and Hewitt and Roddick managed year-ending #1 rankings because someone had to, but pretty much for the last 35 years all-courters with big serves have crushed defensive baseliners.

I do agree that Nadal is very tied to the baseline. He is adding variety though- and is determined to add variety. I don't think he is a finished product and I do think that he will evolve. I don't know how much, but I do not believe that he is at the end- all be all of his game though. His backhand this year is much better than last, he had the best serves against Luby that I have seen from him franky and I have noticed that he has very, very good touch at the net. Steve Tignor even commented on that here here in a neat article about both Feds and Nadal. A little preview:



I like that he acknowledged both, the fact that Federer does have great physicality and also that Nadal is not just a brainless grinder as is sometimes presented.


Vallegirl, I just don't think that we will ever agree on Nadal- but that's cool. :)

Does anyone think Andy Murray is going to do well at this year's Wimbledon? I've got a feeling the hype is going to be too much.

I don't think it will be the hype that will be Murray's downfall - I think he will cope fine with the deluded British public - its all down to the draw he gets I say. I.E A seed in round one will not be well recieved

Valleygirl - I believe Andre Aggassi won all four Grand Slam Titles - 1992,94,95 and 99.

OK, so there are a few people here wishing for fair coverage. And I thought, heck, I am to! But now? No. No way. I can't stand Nadal, with his jumping up and down and running to the baseline. He might be as sweet as they come off the court. But as soon as he gets on the court, he's a thug to me. So there. No balance from me.

I can't watch this. I'm too nervous.

I think what vallegirl meant was that Federer will be the first one to hold all four GS titles at the same time since Rod Laver. If Roger wins he will be the current champ of all four titles. First time that will have happened since 1969 in the men's game.

Gosh- I am so nervous. I hope both play well. I know the crowd will be major pro-Fed. That's fine and dandy but I hope that they are fair to Rafa.

ETA- The crowd is being great. Applauding good play by both guys and not overcheeing errors.

Gawd- I love these two players so much, when Nadal is losing I'm heartbroken. When Federer is losing- I'm hearbroken.

Too much to take. I wanna puke.

Tim/Tedor whatever his name is - is driving me crazy. He is getting all sorts of facts wrong. Feds beat Rafa one year ago- not two. Plus many, many more errors in facts.

Boy, this looks to be so over. I'm so so so so sad. Sniff.

I can't watch this game. Its making me nervous and antsy at the same time and I'm already wound up from the World Cup. Come on, Federer!

I was coming here to report the same thing. I feel sick.

And I should confess to jimena that I am the biggest hypocrite in the world and am unable to be any kind of good sport.

This match feels like the Williams sisters playing each other - too much Occasion for everyone to handle - and the tennis suffers.

I'll say it again - I miss Cliffy and PMac.

I reiterate my feelings. I HATE NADAL. I don't like his game, I don't like his family, I don't like his "excitement", I don't like his rituals, I don't like his hair, I don't like his clothes and I don't like his disingenious comments/personality. I have never disliked a player more. Everything about him bugs the crap out of me. Even when he's playing another player I hate (Hewitt comes to mind).

And funny, Tim whatever-his-name-is kept mentioning that this was like the road runner and the coyote, with Nadal being the first, and Roger the latter. Well, that was my least favorite cartoon when I was growing up, because I hated the road runner. Now, everytime I see Nadal, I'll hear the annoying "beep beep" sound and loathe him even more.

Here's to very fruitful grass/hard court seasons for Roger. I am now wishing Nadal plenty of encounters with James Blake on fast courts. And plenty of time and coaching violations. And plenty of other players saying how he's overrated and a punk on the court.

Yes, I'm bitter. So?

What a match. Roger fought so hard, but Nadal kept coming back and coming back. He's a worthy champion.

So nice to see Stefan Edberg in the ceremony. One of my favorite players ever, and still looking dashing as ever. I also love that the players get to give their own speeches instead of being asked questions.

Cheers, Rafa! I was a little worried the way the first set was going, but for a 20-year-old, he sure has a lot of mental toughness. I was rooting for him all the way, but towards the end, it was hard to watch Federer look so disappointed.

On a separate note, does anyone happen to have a transcript, or a decent translation of Federer and Nadal's speeches? There wasn't any translation into English on Astro Supersport and I don't speak French.

That was so disappointing. I thought (hoped) maybe Roger would take over after breaking Nadal in the 4th.

Did I hear incorrectly, or did someone mention something about Nadal having to "face a man twice his age"? Last I checked, 2 X 20 = 40, not 24.

Oh, I'm so sad, so sad. Not surprised of course, but damn. I would've had an absolutely delirious day if Roger had won, be jumping up and down, all that. Instead I could just about cry, which is not something I really do for sports. So - there's always next year? Yeah, that's not helping much right now.


I'm always happy to see Edberg, he was my all time favorite for years, so that's nice. Also, I don't hate Nadal, in fact if it had been anyone else across the net I would've been rooting for Rafa. But 2 French Open's is for sure not historic, not momentous - special, of course, but not anything plenty of other's haven't done. No comparison. I hope Roger can accept it for now, and take away that it was his first final here, try to be a little positive, and go on and shine at Wimbledon and the US. Of course, for Fed it's now where anything less than winning it all is an under-achievement ... other than the French (and double-digit slams if/when he gets there) he no longer has anything to "win", it's all defending his place everywhere and all the time.

Damn. Congrats Rafa, but damn.

I wanted Roger to win so badly, and I don't mind Nadal so I can't get enraged or anything. I'm just sad. I just pray that he will win the French Open eventually so he can become the all-time greatest.

You're a much better person than I am. And a classier loser.

I can't believe it was Edbeg giving him the trophy. Edberg, who also made it to the finals of the French, and never won it. One of Roger's favorite players. I'm just wondering if I'm looking at Roger's future: close, but no cigar.

Anyone care to mention what Roger said in his speech? I turned the TV off as soon as the last point was played.

Wow- I was praising the Fench crowd- but then they started to boo during the speech,

Rafa was full of praise for Fed. My husband helped me interepret- but he has some trouble with Nadal because he swallows some of his Spanish words- part of Rafa being Mallorcan I guess.

Rafa said- Feds is the best - perhaps the greatest ever- and can win anywhere, he just didn't today. And the crowd bood a very gracious acknowledement to the runner up. WTF?

Jimena- I'm sorry you are so mad and hate Nadal at the level that you do. But I just don't think he is disingenous- he actually has a very smart mind in regards to the game. Can call why people beat him and what is lacking in his own game. His comments on Feds game have been spot on. And he respects other players such as Coria- who if they are on, could beat him. I think he is very aware.

Apparently, Nadal said that Roger was the best player in the world everywhere except at the French Open. And the crowd didn't like it. Or so I read.

I never thought I would stoop so low as to say this, but I would've booed as well, poor sport that I am at the moment. So Nadal-lovers beware: my posts are going to feel offensive and rude. They will be. In advance I tell you: don't read them.

ETA:

Nah. His comments about how Roger is the better player, and is always the favorite when he plays Nadal seem extremely fake to me. Roger's not the favorite on clay, and definitely not the favorite with the dismal record he has against Nadal. Nadal's way of trying to play down his accomplishments and competitiveness seem like he's trying too hard to be humble. He says these things, and then appears on the court jumping up and down like he's a boxer. It's just mind games, really, IMO.

And don't be sorry I loathe Nadal. Why would you be? It's my problem. Definitely not Nadal's. And definitely not his fans'. And it shall pass. Give me 15 more minutes and I'll be back to normal.