Tennis at its uniquely best - Vamos Rafa!

I did not imagine writing a blog with this title after a match not involving Federer but here it is. Everyone was looking forward to the answer of 'Can Rafa defend his kingdom'. Nadal did answer and what a magnificent reply it was. In a match, that is the best on clay I have EVER seen, one could easily see why the match was so badly awaited. One could see why Djokovic deserves to contend for No. 2 and one could also see why Rafa IS No. 2.

The semi final at Hamburg was a delight to tennis fans, having the strong dose of power play and the right blend of emotions and drama. Some fingers raised, some sulks at error, some smiles at a winner by the opponent, some chest thumping on a motivating shot and some racquet-bashing, the match had it all. For a 3 hour running match, the contenders put in everything they could and in the end, it proved too much for the Serb. But one thing that Novak Djokovic did win, was a reinstated respect as a sincere player and a serious contender for top rankings in the years to come. He had only nerves to lose in this match and he did not lose it exactly. But the way Nadal makes the opponent earn every point, it rattled the momentum for the Serb who just burned out after a few stunning winners from Nadal in the final set. Though Nole made Rafa wait for 6th match point, he could not himself convert 4 break points in the last game. The crowd who gasped, sighed and cheered at the breathtaking winners from both the players had probably not witnessed a more intriguing match.

With 7-5, 2-6, 6-2 victory, Nadal held on to his second ranking and the title of 'King of Clay'. He seemed troubled in the first few games when probably he was still delving upon the possibility of slipping to the third place in ATP charts. But once he regained his composure, he rolled on in the first set wil some amazing rallies and drop shots. Serb struck back impressively in the second set and did what just 2-3 players have done till now, snatch a set from the Spaniard. But final set was a visual fantasy when a sensational passing shot from him broke Djokovic in the very opening game. Novak then tried to come back surviving rallies and carefully selecting the shots but unfortunately broke his racquet string on the break point in second game. After that, he never recovered from the stupendous cross court overhead shot that left him helplessly smiling when Nadal was leading 3-2.

It was very evident how hard Nole tried and one could feel sad by the time he lost it. But I have a feeling that he might figure the inevitable question better than Federer himself - "how to defeat Rafael Nadal on clay!". We will surely see much more of him on clay next year (assuming French Open is too soon to expect a drastic recovery) and may he achieve what no body has. As of now, its once again No 1 Vs No 2 clash at Hamburg Finals tomorrow where Rafa's fatigue from today's marathon may have a role to play.