The Great Rivalry that is...

Fresh out of the french open final where Fedex was thrashed by the Raging Spanish Bull Nadal, I have accepted that Rafa(as people call him) is the undisputed king of clay. I believe he is the only worthy man on the face of this earth to deserve a shot at even coming close to breaking Borg's record of 6 french opens. The level of tennis he unleashed in the final was simply a class apart from anyone else on the ATP tour right now. I think even the great Bjorn Borg would have been totally impressed with the strokes in this 22 year old's repertoire.

He had the audience spellbound right from the word go. The Federer Express was derailed pretty convincingly by the World No. 2 with renewed vigour. But what was really nice to see was the words that the two players had to share at the presentation ceremony. Federer was very quick to commend Nadal and mention how great and unbeatable he was on clay, while Nadal sprang a slight surprise by extensively praising Federed for being a great player, the World No.1 and an excellent competitor.

Nadal with his new and improved game which boasts of extra-special shots from his backhand seems to be better equipped for Wimbledon this year. The rivalry between these two greats of modern day tennis is all set to go that one step higher. If the two players play to their abilities then come 6th July and we should witness a breathtaking final between the man in his three-fourths and the Swiss maestro with the best single-handed backhand. It should be an awesome treat lasting two weeks from 23rd June culminating with the final for all those ardent tennis fans.

There is not much doubt about a good performance from Nadal, but the doubts arise with the five time defending champion, Roger Federer. We have to say his form this year has been dismal to say the least. He looks much more beatable even at Wimbledon. But the Swiss smartie will be looking to turn the tide and go past Borg to take his 6th consecutive Wimbledon singles title to regain his form. He will also be aware of the challenge he is likely to face from the youngster he lost to at Melbourne this January. Novak Djokovic has proved how tough and intimidating he can be as an opponent.

Whichever of these players - Nadal, Federer or Djokovic- comes out victorious at the most prestigious and respected Grand Slam Tournament this July, the overall winner will be the Game of Tennis and its numerous fans across the globe. Guess we will just have to wait n see...

But for now... I guess I wil just enjoy the great football unfolding at Euro 2008 for the next 3 weeks. It should one cracker of a tournament.