Top

RG Diary Friday 3 June


 

Originally published on: 03/06/11 20:43

If we thought that having two matches scheduled for Court Philippe Chatrier would mean an early night, then think again, this is after all, the world’s four best men’s players toughing it out on clay.

Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal took to court at 2pm, and it took three hours and 17 minutes before the Spaniard whipped off his headband, did his trademark sweat propelling headshake and celebrated even better than the last time, with a 64 75 64 victory over the Scot, who at time of writing is probably on the platform waiting for the 9.30pm Eurostar back to London’s St Pancras station.

After the match Rafa chose his words carefully when asked about his next opponent, which would be the winner of the next match on court, and you’d have to have been stuck in a cave for the last fortnight not to know it was the much anticipated match up between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

Nadal said he didn’t mind who he played as it would be either “ the best player of the moment or the best player in history”. Lucky maybe then that he gets to rub down and relax a few hours before either of these greats. But what greatness does that bestow upon him then? Ideas on facebook please!

Federer raced into a two sets to love lead and we were looking forward to a drink in Paris at dusk, “mine’s a pastis please” But whoa, no! Novak had other ideas. He pulled back a set instead of letting the homebound spectators join Muzza at Gare du Nord. And then Nole broke Federer at 4-4 in the fourth and then Feds broke back. It got to a tie break and serving at 6-5 in the tiebreak, Federer dug out a big serve and at 9.37pm after a match of 3 hours and 39 minutes it was decided in favour of the Swiss 76 (5) 63 36 76 (5). It will be a classic Roger v Rafa final coming up on Sunday. Wow!

Elsewhere at Roland Garros, there were some finals played today and we were delighted to catch the BNP Paribas ball boys looking after the flowers that were to be presented on court 7. (See photo!)  “You sure this is what we got selected for”, says the cheeky one in the middle “this is not test of agility, speed and concentration”, We don’t think he’s the guy who popped up on court the other day during the rally of Troicki and Murray; remember that magic moment, its been a long week. 

The Czech pair of Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka defeated Sania Mirza and Elena Vesnina 64 63 in the ladies doubles. Wheelchar player Esther Vergeer maintained her amazing record of victories defeating fellow Dutchwoman Marjolien Buis 64 63 and Dutchman Mickaeil Scheffers defeated Nicolas Peifer 76 (3) 63.

With the women’s final scheduled for a 3pm start tomorrow, we wait to see what happens to the weather, it’s been fantastic all fortnight but the forecast for the weekend isn’t great. There may still be a few headaches to come for the tournament organizers, be good for the flowers though.

Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here


Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.