Making history

(This post is a week late.)

Rafael Nadal made history by being the first Spaniard to win the Australian Open by beating Roger Federer in 5 sets, 7-5 3-6 7-6(3) 3-6 6-2 in last week's finals. Not only did Rafa make history by setting a new record, he also made history by making his archrival, Roger Federer cry. Yup, if there was one man who reduced Roger to tears, IT WAS RAFA!


I was overjoyed when Rafa captured his first hard-court grand slam. I couldn't stop myself from screaming and jumping. But seeing Federer hurt and crying, I felt sorry for him. He didn't hold back his feelings and was brave enough to let the whole world see him in tears. Now, there's one more reason for people to admire him.


But then again, if you're a true-to-the-bone Rafa fanatic and anti-Federer, you couldn't help but feel mighty proud that the Spaniard has the superior advantage in their head-to-head meetings. It's his 13th victory in 19 meetings and his fifth over the Swiss in seven meetings in Grand Slam finals. Five out of seven in Grand Slam finals?!? Now, who's THE MAN?!? Whatever the FEDex fans say, Rafa fanatics will never lose if they stick to that argument. In fact, even Rafael Nadal can use that bit of info to emphasize his bragging rights. But he just won't!

Jessica Zafra was right on the mark when she said in her PhilStar column yesterday that, "The only person with gloating rights is Rafa, and he is too nice." One hundred percent true! During the awarding ceremony, Rafa was of those who applauded Federer and looked almost sheepish and apologetic when he came up on stage. He took the trophy quietly, held it up very briefly, and then went to put his arm around Roger and consoled him. That was truly one for the books.




I am looking forward to more moments like these. More excellent matches, more quality tennnis. One Grand Slam up, three more to go! Next stop is the Roland Garros which will run from May 24th to June 7th. For tennis fans like me, I cannot wait! But for the meantime, I will just content myself with major tournaments first. And oh yeah, cherish these photos. :)




***Acknowledgement***
Thanks to the Australian Open site for the pictures.

A contest for the ages

Was supposed to stay longer in the office last night since I had to finish a lot of things at work. Tried to focus on work but at the same time, I was a constant visitor of the Ausralian Open website. Around 5 PM, I couldn't concentrate anymore. Was listening to the radio broadcast of the semifinals match between Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco over the AU Open site. It was a close match, with the first set ending on a tie-break and going Verdasco's way. Since I couldn't contain my excitement any longer, I left the office with the score tied at 4-4, second set. Rafa went on to win that set and when I got home, the score was tied again, third set. I don't remember if it was 4-all or 5-all already though (memory gap, hehe). Should have went home earlier, but then again it's ok. 'Twas brilliant, brilliant tennis from that time on.

A sad note though: I feel sorry for Verdasco that he had to lose on a double fault. A costly mistake, indeed. But he needs to remind himself and put in his head that he played remarkable tennis the entire match, rather than torturing himself with that unforced error.

Anyhow, lemme share with you this article entitled "A contest for the ages" (though it would have been a lot better if you've witnessed the match). ;)


After five hours and 14 minutes of the most astonishing tennis that this year’s Australian Open has seen so far, Rafael Nadal set up his longed-for meeting with Roger Federer in the final. Their title decider at last year’s Wimbledon was a glorious spectacle, and while much is expected of Sunday’s Melbourne rematch, even a contest between the world’s two best players would be hard-pushed to equal the adrenalin-fuelled brilliance of Nadal’s 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(2) 6-7(1) 6-4 win over compatriot Fernando Verdasco in a semifinal which lit up Rod Laver Arena. Read more...

To Rafa and Fernando, thank you for giving us one of the best matches in the history of tennis. Vamos!

Australian Open Updates

It's already the second week of the Australian Open and it's down to the last four men and women in the Grand Slam.

World number 1, Rafael Nadal beat Frenchman Gilles Simon in their quarterfinals match earlier and will face fellow Spaniard, Fernando Verdasco in the semis on Friday, while Roger Federer will go up against Andy Roddick in the other semis match tomorrow night. If you're one of those three loyal readers I have, you probably know by now that I am a big, big fan of Rafael Nadal. :) So obviously, I'm rooting for him and wishing that he gets his first hard court grand slam title. *fingers crossed* You probably also know that I go for anyone but Roger Federer. But right now, it doesn't really matter whether Rafa faces him or Andy. All I want is for Nadal to win the title. ;)

As for the women, Russian Elena Dementieva will try to continue her winning streak against Serena Williams in the first semis match, while the other match will be an all-Russian semifinals between Dinara Safina and Vera Zvonareva. Williams is undoubtedly, one of the greatest women tennis players, but boy, she gets me fired up whenever she speaks and answers questions during interviews. Such big ego she has! It'll be such a slap in the face if Dementieva gets past Williams. I hope she does. But if not, I'm hoping Safina will give her a difficult time in the finals.

Vamos Rama! Go Safina!

US Open 2008 Summary

A few entries back, I wrote that I wish Rafa Nadal would have an excellent stint in the US Open. Well, he actually fared better this year, reaching the semis for the very first time. In fact, it was really great to know that he got farther than the fourth round. Still, it was a lil heart-breaking when he lost to Andy Murray in four sets in the semis. I bet a lot of tennis fans were expecting another Rafa Nadal-Roger Federer final. It could have been more exciting to watch these two guys go up against each other third in a row this year. Especially with Federer chasing his 13th grand slam and 5th consecutive US Open title (and first title for the year) and Rafa winning in a surface he's not really comfortable with. But not to take anything away from Murray, he did have a terrific showing this year, until FEDex beat him in the final.

So is the old Roger Federer back? As far as I'm concerned, he never left. Sure, he was greatly affected when he got sick, but there are also guys out there who can give him a run for his money. That's what Novak Djokovic did in the semis of the Australian Open. And though Rafa had an easy time beating him in the French Open, it was a different story in Wimbledon. It wasn't a walk in the park for both of them, but the spaniard emerged as the winner.

It wasn't just because he had off-days. He can be beaten as well.

Pero sige na nga, I give it to Roger Federer. He truly is, one, if not, the greatest tennis player to have ever played the sport.

Rafa: Numero Uno

To the 3-5 individuals who read my blog (and probably are my friends), my apologies for constantly blogging about tennis and Rafael Nadal. I love Rafa and the sport and the fact that Rafa currently dominates the tennis world. :P

So please allow me. :)

Today officially marks the first day the spaniard holds the number one spot in the men's tennis world. He replaces Roger Federer who held the post for 4 and a half years. As if taking over the top spot isn't enough, Rafa also won his first Olympic gold medal in Beijing. A feat Federer has been trying to achieve for the past 2 Olympics, but still had failed to do so this year. Sure FEDex won a gold in the doubles category, but I'm pretty sure he would much more prefer winning in the singles event. (cue in tawang mahadera, bwahahaha!) Oh well, we'll see in London in 4 years time.

I'm really hoping Rafa will remain at the top spot longer than Federer did. It's gonna be a lot of hardwork, something he's used to - I just hope he doesn't injure himself. If Federer or any other guy takes the number one ranking away from him, I know I'll feel bad, but he will always be at the top of my list (together with Andre Agassi :)).

Now that the Olympics fever is over, Rafa and the rest of the guys only have a week to rest. Come August 25, the US Open will start and as always, will run for a fortnight. Rafa got eliminated in the fourth round by fellow Spaniard, David Ferrer, last year. Though, it was already in the fourth, I still think he hasn't had an excellent stint in the US Open.

I wish that changes this year. ;-)

Blake upsets Federer in straight sets

OMG!

This means, Roger Federer is saying goodbye to his dream of an Olympic gold medal.

I can be so mean when it comes to Roger, but I feel for him. An Olympic gold in tennis has been his main goal this year, especially, after losing in the French Open and in Wimbledon (to Rafael Nadal - I just had to add that haha!)

Try again after 4 years. :) Oh wait, he'll be what, around 30 at that time? But who knows right? (yeah, right :P)

With the way Rafa is playing right now, I'm confident that he'll win his first Olympic gold medal. Of course, it would have been more grand if it was over Federer. But then again, it would have been too devastating for FEDex. :P

Read here :D

Say hello to the world's new number 1

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce to you...

the new number 1 tennis player in the world...RAFAEL NADAL!

Applause, applause.

Ok, it's not official yet, BUT, IT'S GUARANTEED! :P

Although, Novak Djokovic, world's number 3, ended current number 2, Rafael Nadal's 32-match winning streak with a 6-1, 7-5 semifinal victory (this morning, Manila time) at the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters in Cincinnati, Rafa is still guaranteed to claim the No. 1 ranking this month after reaching the semifinals with a 7-6(3), 6-1 victory over Ecuadorian Nicolas Lapentti.

Rafa's loss to Djokovic means he will officially take over number 1 for the first time in the South African Airways ATP Rankings on August 18. Had Rafa reached the final, he could have taken over the number 1 spot on August 11. And had he won the title, he could have become the number 1 in the world by Monday, August 4.

Oh well, it's just two weeks. And besides, he really needs to take some time off before he competes in the Beijing Olympics.

For now, let me just say to Federer:

"Your days are numbered. Move over Roger!"

Rafa wins his first Wimbledon

Now it can be told:

Rafael Nadal is not just the King of Clay, he's the new hero on grass, the new King of Wimbledon!

After 4 hours 48 minutes and 2 rain delays, Rafael Nadal won his first ever Wimbledon by conquering five-time Wimbledon champion and world's number 1, Roger Federer in an epic five-set battle, 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-7 (8-10), 9-7.

Too many superb rallies, too many excellent shots, too much excitement, too much drama, two great players. Truly, this year's men’s singles final will be remembered as one of the greatest in Wimbledon’s rich history.

On a personal note: The match started around 9:30PM and ended at 4:30AM. I didn't even think of going to bed when the play was suspended for about an hour and a half because of the rain. Play got held up again for the second time, but like the jampacked crowd in Centre Court of the All England Club lawns, I too, never left my seat (in our living room :D). I wanted to see this match over and done with. I was still confident that Rafa would win even if he lost his chance of doing it when he was up by 2 sets to love. Besides, this was truly one for the books and I wouldn't want to miss it for the world.

After 2 hours of sleep, I still managed to go to work today. My dad and I had a deal - I promised him that no matter what the outcome is, I would not go on a self-declared holiday. Well, here I am at work, blogging away. Was too happy to do my part of the deal. :)

Vamos Rafa!

1-0

UAAP's 71st season started yesterday with FEU winning over Adamson and UE over UST. There was not much hype yesterday, but today was a different story. First, UP won their first game under a new coach, after going 0-14 last season. Yeboi! Hopefully, this won't be a case of first and last for the Maroons. :)

But the real deal came from the second game between the Ateneo Blue Eagles versus De La Salle Green Archers. As always, people flock the Big Dome to watch the much-awaited encounter between these two schools. Twenty-two thousand paying patrons came to witness the first game of the season between these great rivals. I didn't get to watch it live, but I surely woke up just in time to catch the game on tv. It was a close match with Ateneo leading at one point and then being overtaken by La Salle and then Ateneo again with the lead and then La Salle and then Ateneo...you get the picture. :) I actually hate watching close games, because it's more heart-breaking when my favorite team (or player) loses by a point or two. So you can just imagine how restless I was the whole time. But alas, Ateneo proved to be the better team when they beat La Salle, 79-73. Yeboi! :)

It's always a great feeling when you have the upperhand over someone and there's no doubt the whole Ateneo community (and me!) are feeling high and mighty at this time. I know it's just the first round of the elims, but hey, a win is a win is a win! 1-0 pare!

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It's been a promising day so far with UP and Ateneo winning their first match in the 71st season of the UAAP. :) A few minutes from now will be the Wimbledon final. I'm looking forward to a spectacular match between the top 2 tennis players in the world, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. I have a very positive feeling that Rafa will put one over Federer and will get to hold his first Wimbledon trophy tonight. Gotta have faith! :)

A first for Rafa and a double celebration for me? No doubt.

King of Queens

Fresh from his French Open victory over Roger Federer, King of Clay, Rafael Nadal, was crowned King of Queens after beating Australian Open Champion Novak Djokovic, 7-6(8-6), 7-5 in the final of the Artois Championship at Queen's in London.


This is Rafa's first grasscourt title and now that he's won on this surface, I'm positive he'll have a pretty big chance of getting his first Wimbledon title this year, as well. Remember last year's final? Though he lost, it was not a lopsided victory for Federer. Rafa fought strong, it went up to 5 sets and lasted for I think about 3 hours and so. It could have gone either way. For all it's worth, last year's final proved that Rafa is also capabale of winning on grass. And now winning at Queens only goes to show that he really can do it.

So much for my being a Rafa-fanatic, hehehe.

Here are some related articles I've read in the net.
http://sports.indiatimes.com/Nadal_is_king_of_Queens/articleshow/3131675.cms

http://www.tennis-x.com/story/2008-06-15/h.php

Rafael Nadal: King of Clay

Annihilation!

That's what happened when Rafael Nadal, the number two seed, defeated the world's number one, Roger Federer in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3, 6-0 in the 2008 French Open Final. With this victory, Rafa tied Bjorn Borg's record of four consecutive French Open titles. On the other hand, the loss prevented Federer from achieving his first French Open title, the only Grand Slam title that eludes him.

Since I am no expert sports writer (hey, I just love the sport :P), or any writer for that matter, let me share with you this article I read from tennis.com

Rafa Rampant: Nadal sweeps to 4th French crown
http://www.tennis.com/tournaments/2008/frenchopen/frenchopen.aspx?id=134652

Happy reading!

Novak is King of the Australian Open

You are not mistaken!

It's not Roger Federer nor Rafael Nadal.

Novak Djokovic, the world's number three, became Serbia's first Grand Slam singles champion, when he defeated Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in four sets, 4-6 6-4 6-3 7-6(7-2) at Melbourne Park, Australia.


Good for him.

Novak turned pro in 2003. But if I remember correctly, the first time I saw him play on tv was in 2005. I instantly became a fan. Saw the potential in him (naks, feeling tennis guru naman ako, hehehe) and he was super cute (ayan, mas forte ko
yan :P)! I'm glad that he won his first grand slam, though, a bigger part of me wanted Tsonga to win. The Frenchman was the one who beat Rafa in the semis, while the Serbian won over Federer.

As you probably know by now, next to Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal is my next favorite tennis player. And you might have guessed that I am no Federer fanatic. I cheered for Novak during his match with Federer and was super happy when he beat the world's number one. But as my karma would have it, Rafa lost to Tsonga.

But I still cheered for Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the Final. Instead of wishing Novak to win so he could avenge the loss of Rafa, I had other twisted things in mind.

* Tsonga needs to win so that Rafa's loss would be easier to accept - at least he lost to the Champion, and
* Novak must not win because I don't want him to get closer and closer to the number 2 spot and take it away from Rafa. He can remain at number 3 all he wants, but he must not overtake Nadal in the rankings.

I am that selfish.

Hmm...did I say that I was glad Novak won? Wachutink?

Open/Idol

Two things I love about the month of January:

(1) Australian Open - first grand slam event of the year. It kicked off yesterday and will run for two weeks. No doubt i'll be rooting for Rafael Nadal. He's a three-time grand slam champion, but these are all from the French Open. Hope he'll do well in the hardcourt and have a fruitful (read: win his first Australian Open) fortnight.

(2) American Idol - Simon, Randy, Paula & Ryan are back. It's that time of the year when America and I start looking for the new American Idol. Hehehe! The thing I like about this show is, it helps me appreciate different types of music. But the downside is, if I didn't like the performance, I could be worse than Simon. Hahaha, just kidding.

Only the first month and I'm already busy. Busy watching tv.