The greatest clay court baller ever? Perhaps.
In one of the most thoroughly dominating performances in Grand Slam final history, Rafael Nadal turned the French Open final into a clay-court clinic, dismantling a clearly befuddled Roger Federer 6-1, 6-3, 6-0 and grabbing a fourth consecutive crown. The Spaniard tied Bjorn Borg's record for consecutive wins at the French and handed the world no. 1 his first 6-0 set since 1999.
Even Rafa felt compelled to tell a humbled Fed during the trophy ceremony, "I'm sorry..." Enough said.
(images via Getty)
Sunday, June 8, 2008
PHOTO OP: Rafa crushes Federer for fourth consecutive Roland Garros title
Labels: French Open, photo op, Rafael Nadal, tennis
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Best ever? Without a doubt. That was just an absolute punishing out there. And unfortunate that Roger didn't show up to try. But that doesn't take away from the fact that Rafa improves and improves and we're witnessing beautiful tennis history. I'm clearly over the moon still.
ReplyDeleterightfully so barcelona2012!
ReplyDeleteI've never seen Roger get his butt kicked like that. It was a shame he didn't appear to be trying much. He didn't change anything in his game or hustle more to even try and give himself a chance.
ReplyDeleteRafa was awesome but he has to win on more than one surface to be up there with the greats for me.
Congrats, Rafa. You are the King of Clay!
ReplyDeleteI just hope this loss doesn't destroy Federer. I want him to beat Sampras' record.
"Rafa was awesome but he has to win on more than one surface to be up there with the greats for me."
ReplyDelete- he will, his game is much more aggressive than ever, the backhand is no longer a weakness, and he's hitting big and not so short. Fed should be worried about Wimbledon with Rafa + Nole.
"I just hope this loss doesn't destroy Federer. I want him to beat Sampras' record."
- Fed will break the record but each Slam will be much tougher to win from now on. He seems to be slowing down just a touch while those behind him are hitting their stride. I see him starting to come in more often than he usually does.