Novak Djokovic will roll into Roland Garros on a wave of momentum after beating Rafael Nadal 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the final of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Sunday afternoon. Djokovic needed two hours and 20 minutes–perhaps tame by the standards of these two men this week in Rome–to capture his third title at the event, his third title of the season, and improve to 19-22 lifetime against Nadal.
“It’s been a great week considering where I’ve been a few weeks ago with the wrist injury,” Djokovic commented. “Luckily for me I played with no pain and increased the level of tennis as the week went on. I’ve had some tough matches. Four out of five matches were three-setters and I had to come back from one set down yesterday against (Milos) Raonic and today again. That gives me a lot of confidence. Winning against Rafa in the final of a big tournament on clay, his preferred surface, is definitely a confidence-booster.
“I felt that Novak was pushing me and has a great talent to play inside the lines,” Nadal assessed. “I think this week is important for me. I won 600 points. I was able to play in another final here. I was able to compete well against one of the best players of the moment. I arrive to Roland Garros now more encouraged than how I felt a few weeks ago.”
Highlights:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rccro24N_Sw]
Djokovic breaks for 2-0 in the second set:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVyHPE8XWq0]
Djokovic interview:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbCZWtCFPRo]
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Oh Roland, behave…………
RT @rolandgarros : “BREAKING WEATHER FORECAST NEWS – Big scoop, it’s still raining. Matches won’t start before noon. #RG14”
The above made me think of the time, in the middle of a particularly bad summer, when the French TV weather man announced with an absolutely straight face “and tomorrow there is a slight risk of some sunny intervals.” I cracked up.
^^^^The weather was the reason I gave up on spending a fortune and fighting my way through Paris traffic jams to go to RG. Each time I had tickets I swear more time was spent huddling in the cold under an umbrella than watching tennis. The first time I went happened to be Rafa’s maiden RG. I’d read about him but never seen him play (those were the days before I had satellite TV) so the impact of clapping eyes on him was even greater. People who’ve seen him in action will confirm what a mesmerising experience that is. I treasure the memories of those times but today I’m content to watch him from the comfort of my own home.
^^Lucky girl! I have promised myself to go see Rafa live before he retires. Will be even better to do it whilst he is still “hot”………..
You must, you must. Even if it rains.
Saw Rafa beat Nole in a 3rd set tie-break in Montreal SF last year including beaning him in the face.
#BucketList