internet
From the moment Rafael Nadal threw that verbal jab at Roger Federer, exposing their vastly different views on the tennis schedule, the Australian Open has been a referendum on the two men's styles. Now we get the best possible window into their simmering feud: a semifinal matchup Thursday night in Melbourne (3:30 a.m. ET, ESPN2).
Perhaps "feud" is too strong a word, for the two genuinely like and respect each other. As always, this matchup will be all about sportsmanship and pure tennis. But they've drawn distinct lines in the sand when it comes to the punishing grind of the men's tour. Nadal, fearing his body is approaching its expiration date, wants it shortened. Federer, that model of fitness and longevity, sees no need for change -- and he probably speaks for the...
Roger Federer has nothing to prove. He must accomplish nothing, short of finally beating Rafael Nadal again in a Grand Slam, to secure his legendary status. He is one of a handful of players to earn the right to be mentioned... more »
Some of you may take this as yet another post having to do with the recent controversies in Madrid, but I tell you truthfully that I've been wanting to write about Rafael Nadal for some time now. More specifically, I've... more »
Ion Tiriac had been dreaming of this moment for months. Finally, vindication was at hand, and all of the haters and whiners and traditionalist nitwits could stuff it. A left-handed Spanish star was on his knees, kissing the... more »
With two key warmup events before the French Open remaining, the talk in the tennis world is not about the return of Roger Federer after a relatively extended break. Nor is the conversation centered around the possibility of... more »
Email
Print
Share