Back to the courts

It has been a while since I last spoke of tennis. I shall stop that habit now.

Judging by the results in 2009, Rafael Nadal is almost unplayable, something like Roger Federer in most parts of 2005-2007. Rafael has won 5 titles so far, 2 more than the second most titlists. Of the 5, 1 is a grand slam, 3 are masters (its prestige is second to the slams). Well, it should be expected since he is the best in the world according to the rankings. Let's examine Federer.

Federer is still good to watch on tv, but his wheels seemed to have fallen apart. He gets 'owned' by Novak Djokovic, Nadal and Murray. These players only awhile ago are at the recieving end of his artistry. However, tables have turned and he has not beaten any of these in 2009. Nadal conquered him in Aussie Open, Novak in Rome and Miami and Murray in Indian Wells.

Murray is the man to watch for 2009. He may spoil Nadal's plans for completing his career grandslam in US Open. He is ranked no.3 now, higher than anyone from Britian (Tim Henman was 4th). At 22, he has surpassed all that Tim Henman has achieved in his career. With Federer no longer in the equation, I believe Murray's main rivarly will be with Nadal.

Novak Djokvic is equally entertaining to watch, with his matching blue outfit and shoes and impersonations. He seemed to have reached his potential and have produced outstanding showings in the clay season. He took 1 set from Nadal on clay and this is highly commendable as nobody has done that since 2007.

Roland Garros is round the corner and the likely winner is Rafael Nadal. His opponent in the finals may be someone different from the previous 3 years, and he is none other than Novak Djokovic. The woman's winner will be very hard to pick. My money is on Kusnetsova or Dinara Safina. Jelena Jankovic is destined to be the no.1 who has never won a grandslam. She's sooooo terrible.