The Final at Roland Garros That Was

The second grand slam of the calendar year is the Roland Garros. It is truly unique and poses different challenges to the players. One reason could be attributed to the surface- the red clay. It is slow, meaning you just cant peel off winners straight away, you have to earn that right by working hard in the rallies, moving the opponent around the court with heavy top spin and pulling the trigger at the right moment. A case in point is Sharapova's semi final exit, at the hands of a lesser player. Well most players appear lesser to some guys when we are talking about Maria ;)

So what I am trying to say is that at some stage in the tournament, no matter what your seed is, you will have to battle through find that something extra , your fitness levels will be tested. Not that the other surfaces are not demanding, but here your movements are tested to the hilt.

Coming to the men's final, it was what the organisers must have hoped for. Number one and two going at each other, hammer and tongs. After a shaky start from both players, which is understandable given the occasion, the pace picked up and it was Federer who was making the play initially, and had several break point opportunities. But credit to Nadal, he hung in there, and played the big points well, going to Federer's backhand with his characteristic top spin meaning that Roger had to play his single handed backhand at his shoulder level, which is a very difficult thing to do. This pattern became the norm for the entire match,Nadal forehand to Federer's backhand. So after a good start, the number one seed lost his last two service games and with it the set 6-3.

With the first set in his pocket, Nadal had a firm grip on the match or so one thought. But Federer is Federer, and he changed the pattern in the second set, mixing his top spin backhand with the slice , and even serving and volleying as a surprise weapon. It paid off, and Nadal wasn't dictating the play anymore. Sometimes you wonder why he couldnt have tried the same thing in the first set, where he got into baseline wrangling match with Nadal, where there can be only one winner. Second set went to Federer. With the match well into its second hour, both players started showing the first signs of weariness. Here is where the fitness levels comes in . Now make no mistake, Roger Federer is a truly great player, a great anticipator of the ball, glides through the court, an artist at work.But grinding his opponent isnt his forte, which is a pre requisite here and his fitness levels arent the greatest. Usually he doesnt need to play long matches on other surfaces. His artistry coupled with sublime touch at the net ensures that the match is wrapped up without breaking too much of a sweat. Nadal ,on the other hand, isnt nearly as gifted as Federer but his game is built on grinding the opponent into submission with heavy top spin. Not as elegant as Roger, but mighty effective especially here. Plays a high intensity game and can run down almost any ball. A backhand winner on the run at full stretch frow way behind the baseline is testimony to the fact. His war- like demeanour on court may seem off-putting to some, but I must confess I rather like it. He plays hard, but fair.

I appear to have digressed again. Coming to the third and fourth sets, it was Nadal calling the shots. For whatever reason, fatigue or otherwise, Federer just couldnt find his rhythm. An early break in both the sets was enough for Nadal to close out the match, and close out he did, with the Federer forehand going long. It was the third consecutive championship win at the French for Rafa, emulating the legendary Borg who did it 1978-80. It was a special moment for someone so young at 21. For Federer, it was obviously disappointing. Like he said at the post match conference, he had the chances but couldnt take them. Next up, in a little over week's time, is the grass of Wimbledon, considered the mecca of all slams by some. The recent turn of events not withstanding, Federer will still be the man to beat. As the saying goes "Competitors come and go but the Champion remains."
Waiting with bated breath for the matches to begin. Till then cheers!!

PS: I have put the stats off my memory. Will be glad if you can point out any discrepancies.