Rafael Nadal Tag

The tennis grand slam calendar starts today, and there is reason to be pumped up. The men’s draw is interesting to say the least, so without further adieu, let’s break it down… 2014 Will Not Be Repeated I love Stan Wawrinka (recall my man crush article “How Stan Became Stan the Man”), but he will not win another Australian Open title this year. He made his breakthrough last year, played the tournament of his life, and accrued a major title. But this year, look for someone else to win. ItRead More

Posted On November 20, 2014By Brian WrayIn Sports, Sports Takes

Roger: The Quitter?

The finale of the 2014 Barclays World Tour Finals was won by Novak Djokovic. But there was no match, as Roger Federer dropped out of the tournament one hour before he was set to take the court. He made the announcement in an arena filled with stunned and disappointed tennis fans. People who had paid hundreds of dollars to see him play, and had traveled half way around the world. I was almost one of those people. I had traveled to London last week to see some of the tournament,Read More

Posted On September 8, 2014By Brian WrayIn Sports, Sports Takes

US Open Final: A Landmark Occasion

Few things are completely certain, but the exception lies in the world of tennis. Fans have become accustomed to Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal participating in every grand slam final. Well the waves of change are a flowin’. Kei Nishikori and Marin Cilic will face off in Flushing Meadows today.     Significance This 2014 US Open Final will be a landmark occasion. Since the 2005 French Open, every grand slam final has included at least one of the big 3 (Fed, Djok, Nadal). That’s 9 1/2 yearsRead More
If you had read my preview about the French Open, then watched the tournament unfold, you probably think I’m a hack who hasn’t the slightest clue what I’m talking about. And you might be right. So I’ll try again. But this time I’m going to analyze what makes Rafael Nadal a French Open winning machine. And it begins and ends with his psychological make-up. Please stay awake…. Putting Nadal’s Run In Perspective On Sunday, Rafael Nadal extended his French Open champion streak to nine. This gives him a comfortable leadRead More

Posted On June 9, 2014By Harry Edwards FloydIn Sports, Sports Takes

The Finals at Roland Garros

Men’s Final Novak Djokovic entered Sunday No. 2 in the world. His opponent for the French Open title was none other than the world No. 1 Rafael Nadal. On top of being No. 1, Rafa is an 8-time French Open champion. Djokovic was looking for his first title at Roland Garros. The first set went 6-3… Djokovic. The second… 7-5 Nadal. Rafa roared back for a hard fought second set win and brought that energy right into the third set taking five straight games in the stretch. The roles reversedRead More

Posted On June 7, 2014By Harry Edwards FloydIn Sports, Sports Takes

Men’s Finals All Set at Roland Garros 2014

No. 1 and No. 2 in the world face one another Sunday at Roland Garros. Rafael Nadal is 22-19 in his career against Novak Djokovic. The reigning French Open champ will be facing the opponent with the best chances of beating him. The only other player to win double digit matches against Nadal is Roger Federer, and he’s won just 10 over Rafa. Current Wimbledon champ Andy Murray came close to the finals Friday in a tough straight set loss to Nadal at 6-3, 6-2, 6-1. Murray came out hot in theRead More
After the usual 5 month hiatus following the Aussie Open, springtime in Paris has arrived. But a breeze of intrigue and uncertainty has befallen this French Open. The perennial favorites are still the favorites, but where they will finish remains a mystery. Let’s examine these perennial particulars and make some fun predictions…. Roger Federer Whether the year is 2004, or 2014, Federer is always a favorite to win a tournament. If you type in ‘longevity personified,’ you will see his image next to Ron Paul and Jesus. And it isRead More

Posted On January 28, 2014By Brian WrayIn Sports, Sports Takes

How Stan became ‘Stan the Man’

Spaniard man vs Swiss man in a tennis match. Without saying anything else, you’re thinking of Nadal vs Federer. Well sorry to disappoint…. because the Swiss man of the moment is none other than 28 year old Stanislas Wawrinka, beating Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final, and breaking the stranglehold of the Big 4 who have dominated tennis the past several years. So, how did he get here? What makes him so good? What is in the drinking water in Switzerland that makes people such good tennis players? Okay,Read More