Today we saw the extremely unlikely upset of Rafa Nadal by his compatriot Juan Carlos Ferrero in the second round of the Rome Masters, 7-5, 6-1. And while the result is certainly shocking, we know that it most likely occurred due to severe blisters on Nadal's right foot (not to take anything away from JCF's performance). Which begs the question -- why can't something like this happen during Roland Garros in a few weeks?
The short answer -- it sure can, which is exactly why Federer keeps pushing toward the French (and why Nadal will keep pushing for Wimbledon). Sure, every champion wants to beat his or her foe in the finals of that elusive Grand Slam, but if Federer wins the title this year and never faces Nadal, the record books will ignore it.
But back to the day's match. All credit goes to Ferrero for making the match competitive and keeping his focus. It's never easy to play against and injured competitor, especially Nadal.
Fast-forward to about 6:30 to check out the severity of Nadal's blister. All credit to him for playing through the pain and letting JCf earn the victory. Not sure we would have seen the same thing from Djokovic. No matter what, we'll have a new Rome champ this year.
As the pro tour slips and slides on the red dirt in Europe, the college ranks remain on the hard stuff as they prepare for the year's ultimate event: the NCAA Championships. At this year's event at the Michale Case Tennis Center at the University of Tulsa, all eyes will be on the Men's team from Virginia, and especially their star, Somdev Devvarman.
As the nation's top-ranked player (in both singles and doubles), Devvarman will be trying to reach the finals for the NCAA singles championship for the third consecutive year (having finished runner-up in 2006 and winning in 2007), a feat that hasn't been accomplished since Northwestern's Marty Riessen did it in the early 60s (1962-1964). Additionally, Devvarman, would be the fourth player in the past 50 years to win back-to-back singles titles.
Here's an in-depth look at the person and player, Somdev Devvarman.
The next question is how will Devvarman do on the pro circuit. Last year, he lost in the first round of the Legg Mason and watched from home as the man he beat in the NCAA final, Georgia's John Isner, became the story of the summer at the U.S. Open, even taking a set off of Roger Federer. Isner's tall, powerful game translated easliy to the pro tour. Some doubt how Devvarman's solid, aggressive style will compete against the world's best. If history is any barometer, jumping ranks is tougher than one might think.
Despite the odds, Devvarman has a great shot to become an enormous celebrity in his home country, India, similar to that of female star, Sania Mirza. No matter what, it should be a shining month for the Cavaliers (they have three singles players and possibly two doubles teams in the NCAA draws in addition to the team competition) and an even brighter future for Devvarman.
How can Maria Sharapova only be 21? It seems like she's been around for forever. Celebrating her milestone birthday, Sharapova made a guest appearance on David Letterman this past Monday night (he shares the same birthday with her).
To be blunt, the interview was pretty darn awkward -- especially the part around 2:22. What's even more disappointing, however, is how Sharapova doesn't really "save the clay" when talking about Roland Garros or the clay season. How about a little PR coaching for this one?
It would have been nice if Dave said, "wait a minute, you're not American?". The U.S. Fed Cup team sure could use her right about now (facing the Russians with no one in the top 100). Why couldn't they bring back Seles and Navratilova from retirement?
