Good news for Britain and Canada

At Wimbledon today the completion of the delayed match between Moya and Henman lived up to expectation and the two 30 somethings carried themselves to the match of the tournament so far. All of Britain cheered as Brave Tim finally took the match at 13-11 in the fifth. Apart from the sour note of a double fault to end the match, Moya was equally entertaining with his level of play and shot-making abilities. It restores my faith in sport when I see two men (actually MEN not boys) play to their top level while still behaving like gentlemen, giving each other their due.

Also good for me today was the advancement to the second round by Frank Dancevic of Canada. Other than the often overlooked outstanding career of Daniel Nestor (they even named one of the courts after him at the new facilities in York), Canada has had little to cheer about in the world of tennis. Dancevic got in as a lucky loser at the last minute before the tournament began and made a good showing today beating Stefan Koubek 6-2 6-4 6-2 way out on court 8 most likely in front of his coach, two guys and a dog. He'll be on a bigger court next round though as he meets the former top 5 Davide Nalbandian of Argentina. Nalbandian's play has not been stellar of late and this could be Dancevic's chance to take that next step at a grand slam. Good luck Frank.

The Rain, The Golden Boy and Brave Tim

The Championships of Wimbledon started today and like almost every year. The first day was rainy punctuated with short periods of play. From what the weather people are saying, they are expecting more of the same for tomorrow and I'm wondering if anyone is surprised.

As predictable as the rain, Roger Federer rolled through his first round match beating a Russian who's name I'll only bother to learn to spell or pronounce once he makes the top 20. Roger was sporting some nifty attire, Wimbledon white adorned with little bits of gold (like a gold swoosh on his headband) and he looked the part of a 4 straight champion.

The most exciting match of the day, by far, had to be called for darkness at some time after 9 pm London time. Tim Henman and Carlos Moya, two veteran's who've both seen more than their share of action are dead-locked at 5/5 in the fifth set. With Andy Murray out with a wrist injury Tim is Britain's only real hope this year and at 32 the British press have him downing the Geritol and pushing a walker. Wimbledon has no fifth set tie break so this match just might be enough to get me out of bed at 6 tomorrow morning to try to catch the end. I only wish I could be there sitting on Henman Hill with the rest of the peons.

Nadal takes 3rd straight French Open

In 4 sets over the #1 ranked Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal maintained his undefeated streak on the terre batu of Roland Garros. The match was, at times, equally entertaining and disappointing as Federer showed glimpses of brilliance but served poorly and hit a multitude of forehand errors. Nadal, by comparison, was as steady as usual and has never lost at the French Open. That's right. Never. In three tries he's won the whole she-bang and whats more he just turned 21.

Still, the clay season is now over and in 2 weeks we'll be turning our attention to the hallowed fields of Wimbledon. Federer will, I'm sure, take a deep breath and realize that he now has a chance to make some more history of his own and try for a 5th straight major title on the grass.

Just as Nadal is better than even money on the clay, Federer is as close to a sure bet as you can find for the short season on grass.

Federer vs. Nadal part deux

The rematch is on. Tomorrow morning (where I live) it will be the #1 vs. #2 tennis players in the world duking it out for the French Open title. What's on the line? Raphael Nadal is trying to win his third straight French Open and avenge his defeat (and the end of his clay match streak) 2 weeks ago at the hands of none other than his opponent.

On the other side of the net we have Roger (no last name necessary), he's trying to win his second major of the year, win the French Open for the first time finishing the career grand slam, achieve the Roger-slam (hold all 4 major title at once) as well as get half way to the biggest carrot of them all. The Grand Slam: holding all major titles in the SAME year.

My advice, if you are any where near a TV tomorrow, watch this match. It is history unfolding before our eyes.

Bonjour e Bienvenue a Roland Garros

Yes, it's that time of year again when I am longing for the streets of Paris and first-hand tennis action. Not that there was all that much action today anyway, the rain and bad weather continue to plague the French Open resulting in about 12 completed singles matches over the last two days. I know that those who spend thousands of dollars to go to this tournament and those of us who watch at home cannot wait for the French to get their act together and complete the retractable roof that they have been promising. Still, hope springs eternal and we can look forward to a jam-packed schedule for tomorrow.

Federer wins at last

It happened in Hamburg. Yup, Nadal's multiple streaks come to a grinding halt at the hand on the world's #1 player. Just when you thought Roger was going in the tank for a swim with the likes of Hewitt, Safin and Philipousis he pulls on a victory on the clay against the self-styled "King of Clay". Way to go Rog, who knew that losing early to some unbelievably low ranked players (see old tennis posts) and firing your coach (popularly thought to be an unequalled tennis guru) would be the path to success. Here's hoping you can bring the confidence over to Paris next week.

Federer out of another clay tournament

Filippo Volandri. Yup, that's who he lost to today. A wild card from Italy that only the most devoted tennis fan would have heard of. What is the story? Last year he lost on clay but only in the finals and only to Rafael Nadal (I think he lost to Gasquet once too) but not this year. Today it was unforced errors again, not to mention a first serve percentage that was more Dementieva than Federer-like. If he wants the French he better turn up the focus. Right now I'd put my money on the safe bet, Nadal won't get ya much for your investment but at least you probably won't get hosed.