Articles:
- Federer-Nadal rivalry running on its last legs – via sportsillustrated.cnn.com
Image courtesy of Alex Duff @ Astute Photo
“They made history by playing for three consecutive years in the finals of both Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Nadal won all of those meetings in Paris, of course, but Federer was victorious in two of the three Wimbledons. Moreover, their 2008 Wimbledon final is widely believed to be the greatest tennis match ever played…”
- Is Rafael Nadal back to his best? Sure thing he is – via thenational.ae
The night before your big day, you are as ready as you could possibly be. Now imagine if, at every step of the way, you knew with depressing certainty that you will fail in your mission. That is probably what facing Rafael Nadal on clay feels like. Failure is almost guaranteed.
- Federer is not one of Toni Nadal’s French favorites – via tennis.com
My top three favorites are [Novak] Djokovic, [David] Ferrer and Rafael. That’s today. I don’t see Federer so much as a favorite because that’s the rule of life. He’s played for many years and when you’ve won as much as Roger Federer … on clay, which is not his favorite surface, so maybe you’re not willing to sacrifice as much. Maybe he’ll be a favorite at Wimbledon or the U.S. Open, but not at Roland Garros.
- The Fab Five (ATP): Previewing the Roland Garros Men’s Contenders – via tennisgrandstand.com
What more can be said about the greatest clay player ever to brand his mark on the terre battue?
- Facebook chat: Tennis players react to Nadal’s Rome win over Federer – via tenngrand.coma
- Nadal the man to beat but Djokovic can prosper in Paris – via ESPN
Another interesting point regarding the Spaniard is that he has no points to defend from Wimbledon onwards, due to his injury absence in late 2012. Realistically, he has to defend his Paris crown but towards the end of the year he will be playing for points to add to his total. World No. 1 status is certainly a possibility if Nadal carries on his recent form.
- Changeover Podcast Episode 21: Remembering Rome – via changeovertennis.com
In this week’s Changeover Podcast, Brodie of Mind The Racket, Lindsay, and Juan José discuss all of the winners and losers from an eventful week in Rome. Highlights include Nadal’s dominance, Halep and Paire’s surprise runs, and a thorough discussion about the troubles of Novak Djokovic.
- Down The Line: Nadal Is Back With A Vengeance – sport360.com
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- No doubt, the “French” has started // Pas de doute, “Roland’ a commencé. – Yes we clay! / On touche terre!