Joe Soriano
O.J. LewisTennis Masters Series in Hamburg Results
May 19th 2008 14:46
Rafael Nadal #2 in the world
#1 Roger Federer faced off against #2 Rafael Nadal in the finals of the Masters Series in Hamburg this weekend. They both had an easy time getting through the early rounds of the tournament. Each had a first round bye. In the second round Federer beat Jarkko Nieminen in straight sets 6-1 / 6-3. Nadal beat out Potito Starace 6-4 / 7-6. In round three Federer won 6-3 / 6-2 to oust Robin Soderling from the tournament, while Nadal eliminated #15 Andy Murray 6-3 / 6-2.
In the quarter finals Federer faced another unranked player in Fernando Verdasco and beat him 6-3 / 6-3. Nadal got another ranked player in this round, #11 Carlos Moya who he beat 6-1 / 6-3. Federer continued on in the semis to face yet another unranked opponent, beating Andreas Seppi 6-3 / 6-1. Nadal was really challenged this round having to face #3 Noval Djokovic. It took Nadal three sets to put Djokovic away 7-5 / 2-6 / 6-2.
That brings us to the final between the two best men’s singles players in the world. The two had faced one another in the finals of the Masters Series in Monte Carlo which took place April 20 – 27. Nadal one that final 7-5 / 7-5.
Nadal would better #1 Federer again this weekend. The match went three sets and would take a second set tie-break, which was the set that Federer would win 7-6 after the 7-3 tie-break.. Nadal took the first and third sets 7-5 / 6-3
The young Spaniard Nadal holds the advantage in the all time head to head series between the two taking ten of the 16 matches since 2004. They have met at Wimbledon twice with Federer winning both. They have met on the clay at the French Open three times with Nadal needing 4 sets to beat Federer each time.
This is all leading up to what should be another showdown in next week’s French Open which starts May 25th and runs through June 8th.
Roger Federer #1 player in the world
My prediction: Federer finally beats Nadal on the clay in the French Open to win the tournament.
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Comment by Leonard Marlborough
Racing Write
At any other time Nadal would have been world number 1. Four years in the number two spot with more points than previous world number 1 players.
So it is unfortunate that they both have run into each other at the same time. Rafa would also have won Wimbledon & have many more grand slam victories.
Nadal is reported to have a slight hamstring strain leading into the French. This might be the year. I hope you are right & Federer wins. He is the best player I have ever seen & just needs the French to seal his place in history.
Comment by Two Guys Sports
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I think I disagree about it being unfortunate. I think it is great for the sport to have such a great rivalry. It has been awhile since we have had a really good one like:
Becker - Edberg
Agassi - Sampras
Navratilova - Evert
Bjorg - McEnroe
McEnroe - Connors
Granted it will hurt both their overall stats in the long run, but they will be more remembered for their hard fought matches through the years.
That's my opinion anyway.
Shame we can't see either of them against anyone in the list above in their prime. That would be fun to watch.
Gene
Comment by Leonard Marlborough
Racing Write
Not really in disagreement. It is unfortunate for either player, but not for the sporting public.
Rafa has had enough points when 2nd ranked behind Federer to be no.1 player most other times in history. They have (until recently) monopolized the results. If Djokovic does slip through to finally usurp them both, Rafa will be very unlucky to have never been no.1.
Rafa's physical style of play will take a toll and most likely Novak Djokovic will be the next (but not for a while yet) no.1.
The exhibition series between Federer and Sampras was an interesting experiment. The super fast courts gave Sampras the chance he needed, but he still looked sensational. Shows the stature and grace of Federer to even play with nothing to gain for him. I'd like to see (fantasy match) Federer against Borg at Wimbledon. That would be something.