Agassithebook webblog

For his 4th French Open title, Rafa Nadal was absolutely astounding from start to finish. I had never seen anyone dominate tennis on a surface in such a way. He made every match look like a first round match. He made it look like he was number one in the world and all his opponents looked like college players. What is scary is to think that Nadal has improved so much in just a year. His serve is better, his return of serve is better, his speed and movement are better than ever, and even his net game has improved. At the same time, Roger Federer’s game has not really changed.

As we near the beginning of Wimbledon, Roger Federer would have reasons to be worried. The quest for a 6th consecutive Wimbledon title will be harder than ever with Djokovic and Nadal on his trail.

On the women’s side, I am just thirlled to see Ivanovic realize all her potential. Her play at the French Open was just unbelievable. I couldn’t help but see a mix of Steffi Graff and Jennifer Capriati in her game.

Finally, a sI always like to do, let’s remember what was going on in Andre Agassi’s career ten years ago. Well, in 1998, Andre had made an incredible effort to come back to the top of the tennis elite, but was not able to play his best tennis on big occasions. After losing in the first round of the French Open, Andre lost in 4 sets in the second round of Wimbledon.

Well, this year is turning out to be very interesting. It looks like one of these years when we are lucky enouh to have three guys at the top of their games. I don’t agree with those who say Roger Federer is slipping. I don’t think he is improving but I don’t think he’s playing any worse than he did during the previous years. His game on clay has not really changed. I wish he tried something a little different against Nadal, but no. Coming to the net had almost paid off in his final in Rome two years ago. I even find his forhand shaky on clay (especialy against Nadal).

I have found Djokovic more impressive overall. I wouln’ be surprised to see him finish the year #1, and I do believe that if one player can knock Nadal out of th French Open, it is him. The shorter the match, the better for Djokovic. The best would be for him to knock Nadal out in three sets or four sets at most.

Let’s go back in time for a moment. Ten years ao, Andre Agassi was on his way to the greatest come-back of all time. After dropping to 141 in the rankings in November 1997, Andre won two tournaments in San Jose (defeating all time rival Pete Sampras in the final) and Scottsdale. Unfortunatly, Andre lost a tough five-set match in the 1st round of the French Open to the up and coming sensation of the tour: 18 year-old Marat Safin…