Nadal’s shock defeat in Wimbledon round 1

Nadal’s shock defeat in Wimbledon round 1

The fans quite expecting a Rafa-Roger set up in pre-quarterfinals were in for a shock on day one of the oldest grand slam in the world, Wimbledon. First round exits are rare for top seedings.

Passing of the round one as a cakewalk for Rafa, most of the fans glued to the match only after Rafa was down two sets. Humble but clearly shaken after his first round defeat in almost 35 majors, Nadal refused that his knee conditions had affected his game. Clearly, one could see him limping on and off and not in his usual aggressive self. But he refuses to take away the 135^th seed Belgian Steve Darcis work. Darcis was playing a defensive

Darcis, fully aware that Nadal was playing his first grass court match of the season defeated him 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (10/8), 6-4, terming the victory, one if his best. Nadal saved four set points in a second set tie-break. But, the Belgian showed no signs of nerves as he broke in the first game of the third set soon after serving for the match of his career.

In a post match interview, he even accepted that probably Rafa was not at his best as beating Rafa when in form is quite difficult. When asked whether he took advantage of Rafa’s limping left knee, he clearly mentioned that focussing on improving his game was a better choice.

Two-time Wimbledon champion Nadal, also suffered a humiliating defeat in the 125^th edition of the grand slam in 2012, when he was defeated by Lukas Rosol in the second round. But the worst was yet to come.

Eight-time Roland Garros champion, Rafael Nadal is clearly not in love with the grass court as much as he is with the red clay.  Nadal had won 43 of his 45 matches and seven titles since his return to the tour in February, after a seven-month injury lay-off.

With the elimination of Nadal, Andy Murray and Roger Federer have one hurdle clear. Andy Murray, meanwhile, termed Rafa’s exit a shock and shame. 

The red clay season begins

It is time of the year again when tennis circuit is abuzz with speculations as to who will win the second coveted grand slam of the season. Will the king of clay, Rafael Nadal win his eighth title, or will world number one Novak Djokovic emerge victorious? Can Roger Federer prove his dominance on the red dirt or we get to see a new champion?

In the year 2012, since the Big Three turned The Big four, the world saw each one of them clinch one grand slam each. Now, with absence of Andy Murray, we can expect Roger Federer meeting either Djokovic or Nadal in final. It will be exciting to see Nadal and Djokovic in the semi-final clash. The Nadal-Federer rivalry can see a revival with their 31^st match in the finals, a delight for the fans.

Nadal has already proved he is the master of clay, and with the French clay, his love is special.  

The possibility of David Ferrer causing a huge upset cannot be ruled out. Though, the line up till the semi finals seems easy for the top three.

As of now, the only top ranker to be ousted is fifth seeded Tomas Berdych. In the Indian context, all is not lost. Though Somdev Devvarman (singles) and Mahesh Bhupati (doubles) have lost, Leander Paes (doubles) marches ahead.

In the women’s singles, former world number one Caroline Wozniacki’s bad luck with grand slams continue. She is out of the tournament. Another upset was Venus William’s exit in round one. Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka, Maria Sharapova and Li Na continue winning matches.

The men’s dominance continues while the women’s reign is shaky. Week two will decide two future champions of Roland Garros, only time will tell.  

Fedex succumbs to Andy Murray

Under Ivan Lendl’s tutelage, this new Andy Murray is not an easy opponent, not even for Roger Federer, who had a never lost a grand slam match against the Briton, until now.

Andy Murray defeated Roger Federer 6-4 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 6-7 (2-7) 6-2 in the Australian Open 2013 semi-final that lasted close to four hours.      

Clearly, Federer was not at his brilliant best. Andy Murray shot 21 aces as compared to Federer’s 5.  Murray dominated the game right through the first set, dwindling only in the two tie breakers in set 2 and 4. Federer, known for his nerves of steel during tough matches was completely taken over by the Briton in the fifth set. The man who dominated the game, Murray has set a date with the world number 1, Novak Djokovic.  

Andy Murray’s career is in its prime now. He has defeated Novak in US Open finals in 2012, won an Olympic gold medal, and has a new found winning confidence. Tennis now has ‘The Big Four’. Murray had made it to the big league. Fans don’t disregard him as a meek opponent anymore. But tomorrow’s match is against a tough opponent, a man who has an indomitable winning attitude. Novak Djokovic is mean even in five setters, can come back and win even after two sets down (read US Open 2011 against Federer). But with this new Andy, even Djokovic is not invincible. We have to wait and watch.   

Ivan Lendl must be a happy man now, but even that’s not a reason enough to see him smiling more often. He was instrumental in bringing a grand slam to Great Britain after almost 76 years.  
No doubt everyone’s waiting for an epic finale tomorrow. If only Rafael Nadal was here, things could have been different!