Nadal has equalled the record of legend Bjorn Borg's six Roland Garros titles and looks well on his way to becoming a legend himself. What more could he want? Surpassing the equally legendary albeit off-touch Federer's 16 Grand Slam titles, probably. But as of now, he's the French Open champion as he was for four years between 2005 and 2008. Halted by Soderling in 2009 and the title snatched away from him briefly by rival and friend Roger Federer, he was back winning the event in 2010 and now, 2011.
Li Na's story is different. Her title win is the first for her whole continent and with a consistent record this year, there's no reason why she can't pick up another Grand Slam this year. Generally, the French Open is the opening for youngsters and new winners like last year's Francesca Schiavone, though she might not fit everyone's definition of 'young'. The Asian breakthrough has brought joy to her vast and very populated country of China. She pursued badminton when she was young, but she switched to tennis and the results are there for all to see. Not too many would have imagined she would win in such style, dismissing her final opponent, also the defending champion, in straight sets!
Federer, while yet again being on the wrong side of a final with Nadal, has a little bit to cheer about. Wimbledon, his favourite Grand Slam and the one he has been most successful on, is round the corner. In two weeks the grass mania will be here. Andy Murray, who lost the semifinal in three sets to Nadal, has expressed confidence about the chances of him winning the event. I must say it is possible in the unlikely event that all three big guns will flounder. Wimbledon, unlike Roland Garros, is not known for too many new winners. But there's always a first! The Scot is yet to open his account and might need to work harder.
One more fortnight for the next Grand Slam.
Li Na's story is different. Her title win is the first for her whole continent and with a consistent record this year, there's no reason why she can't pick up another Grand Slam this year. Generally, the French Open is the opening for youngsters and new winners like last year's Francesca Schiavone, though she might not fit everyone's definition of 'young'. The Asian breakthrough has brought joy to her vast and very populated country of China. She pursued badminton when she was young, but she switched to tennis and the results are there for all to see. Not too many would have imagined she would win in such style, dismissing her final opponent, also the defending champion, in straight sets!
Federer, while yet again being on the wrong side of a final with Nadal, has a little bit to cheer about. Wimbledon, his favourite Grand Slam and the one he has been most successful on, is round the corner. In two weeks the grass mania will be here. Andy Murray, who lost the semifinal in three sets to Nadal, has expressed confidence about the chances of him winning the event. I must say it is possible in the unlikely event that all three big guns will flounder. Wimbledon, unlike Roland Garros, is not known for too many new winners. But there's always a first! The Scot is yet to open his account and might need to work harder.
One more fortnight for the next Grand Slam.
No comments:
Post a Comment