Final
Roland Garros
The French Open
Rafa Nadal defested Robin Soderling
6-4, 6-2, 6-4
86 pictures
Wonderful pictures
more pictures
Spain's Rafael Nadal bites the cup after defeating Sweden's Robin Soderling during a men's finals match for the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Sunday, June 6, 2010. Photo credit: AP
Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe
Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates as he defeats Sweden's Robin Soderling in the men's final match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris today. (MICHEL SPINGLER/Associated Press)
Photo credit: AP
Photo credit: Getty
Photo credit: Getty
Photo credit: AP...................................................
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Interview from
Rafael Nadal wins 5th
French Open title
By STEVEN WINE
ASSOCIATED PRESS
PARIS — Rafael Nadal has reclaimed his crown as the King of Clay.
Chasing down shots all over the court, the relentless Spaniard won his fifth French Open title today and avenged his lone Roland Garros defeat, beating Robin Soderling (Soh’-der-ling) 6-4, 6-2, 6-4.
Nadal improved to 38-1 at Roland Garros, with the only loss to Soderling in the fourth round a year ago.
Seeded No. 2, Nadal won seven consecutive games midway through the match and held every serve, saving all eight break points he faced. He became the second man to win the French Open at least five times, and next year he’ll have a chance to match Bjorn Borg’s record of six titles.
Source: Rafael Nadal wins 5th French Open title
Rafael Nadal wins fifth French Open crown
Source: www.rte.ie/sport/tennis/2010/0606/nadalr_frenchopen
RTE InteractiveSunday, 6 June 2010 16:53
Rafael Nadal produced another masterclass of clay-court tennis to win his fifth French Open title and avenge last year's defeat by Robin Soderling.
The Spaniard saved his best performance of the tournament - and arguably of the season - for the only man who had ever beaten him at Roland Garros.
The 24-year-old's 6-4 6-2 6-4 victory in two hours and 18 minutes ended any doubt over his status as the king of clay, gave him his seventh grand slam title and will see him overtake Roger Federer as world number one.
Time and again, Soderling thought he had Nadal where he wanted him on Philippe Chatrier Court.
But the second seed would almost inevitably make him play one more shot or produce a sensational winner as he emulated his 2008 feat of winning the title without dropping a set.
But the match began in bright sunshine, which would have pleased odds-on favourite Nadal.
Soderling, who avenged his own defeat in last year's final by beating Federer on Tuesday, made the more impressive start, holding his opening two service games - more than he managed at the same stage in 2009.
He failed to make the most of Nadal errors that gave him 30-40 in game four but had his opponent rattled when the Spaniard challenged a serve at 15-30 in the next, only for umpire Cedric Mourier to disagree.
Nadal nevertheless went on to fashion two break points, taking the second when Soderling left a crosscourt backhand which he thought was dropping long.
The Swede was playing a high-risk game but began hitting more errors than winners, summed up in game seven when he slumped from 40-0 and had to save two more break points.
A Nadal double-fault gave Soderling the first of two break-back points in the next but more mistakes from the fifth seed followed.
The theme continued when he was serving to stay in the set, handing Nadal 0-40.
He served his way out of trouble but was not able to stop his opponent serving out the set.
Dark clouds had begun gathering towards the end of the first set but the rain held off.
There was a hint of a momentum change though when Soderling had four break points in game two of the second, the 25-year-old roared on by chants of 'Robin, Robin, Robin' from a crowd eager for more tennis.
But Nadal chased down the most forlorn of causes and was rewarded when he held.
For his second straight match, the Spaniard was made to wait when a spectator required attention in game four, but he kept his composure.
And he produced some incredible shot-making to break to love in the next, Soderling shaking his head in disbelief.
Nadal appeared to be everywhere at times but only had to stand still as a double-fault gave him the first of two double-break points in game seven.
Soderling netted on the second and Nadal duly held to win the second set.
Support for Soderling was now becoming more muted and he tossed away his serve in the opening game of the third set with the air of a beaten man.
He rallied to break-back point in the next but, once again, Nadal refused to yield.
The set then went with serve, Soderling avoiding what could have been a fatal double-break when 30-40 down in game seven.
But Nadal was serving imperiously and held his nerve to seal a 6-4 6-2 6-4 before sliding to the ground in delight.
Source: Rafael Nadal wins fifth French Open crown
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Source for links below: www.daylife.com/topic/French_Open_Tennis_Tournament
RAFA RELIEVED TO BE BACK ON TOP
Nadal tonight revealed all the frustrations of the past year came pouring out as he sobbed into his towel after sealing a fifth French Open title. Nadal ended more than 16 months without a grand slam today with another clay-court masterclass on Philippe...
‘Most emotional day of my career’
Hindustan Times"I am sorry for today but I played my best match against you, if I didn't I would have been impossible to beat you." Soderling said Nadal, who did not lose a set all fortnight, could go on to add to his five French Open titles. "Five victories here is...
Nadal storms to title
Rafael Nadal won his fifth French Open title on Sunday when he defeated Sweden's Robin Soderling 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 in the final at Roland Garros. The Spanish second seed claimed his seventh Grand Slam title without dropping a set and also gained revenge on...
Spain's Rafael Nadal holds the cup after defeating Sweden's Robin Soderling during a men's finals match for the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Sunday, June 6, 2010. Photo credit: APBarclays ATP World Tour Finals
Roland Garros Champion Nadal Recaptures No.1 Ranking, First To Qualify For Barclays ATP World Tour Finals
London, England
Source:
www.barclaysatpworldtourfinals.com/News/Tennis/2010/Pretournament/Nadal-First-To-Qualify.
06.06.2010
Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal has overtaken Roger Federer at the top of the South African Airways 2010 ATP Rankings after his 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 win over Robin Soderling in Paris on Sunday.
Following his seventh career Grand Slam title, Nadal also becomes the first player to qualify for the season-ending 2010 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, to be held at The O2 in London from 21-28 November. Only the world’s Top 8 players at the end of the season qualify for the showpiece event in London.
“When you qualify for the World Tour Finals you have to be very happy because it proves you have had a very good season. Last year the crowd and the stadium were unbelievable. Playing in London is always a special feeling. I have amazing memories of London,” said the World No.1.
Nadal’s triumph at Roland Garros completes an incredible 22-match winning streak during the clay-court season, in which he became the first player in history to win all three clay-court ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events in the same year. The Spaniard also became just the second man in history to win five Roland Garros titles, with only Swedish tennis legend Bjorn Borg ahead on six titles.
Nadal last held the No.1 ranking on 29 June, 2009, when he was surpassed by Federer. The Spaniard now overtakes the Swiss again, with Federer just one week shy of equalling Pete Sampras’ all-time record of 286 weeks at No.1.
Nadal leads the ATP World Tour with four titles in 2010. Fans can now look forward to seeing Nadal compete 3 times in the UK during the season. He is due to compete at next week’s AEGON Championships at The Queen’s Club in London, before playing Wimbledon for the first time since his dramatic triumph at The Championships in 2008.
Nadal will then return to London in November for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals where fans will have a chance to see him play three matches across the group stages as he battles for a place in the knockout semi-finals. With some sessions already sold out, fans should act fast to secure their seats. Tickets are available through www.BarclaysATPWorldTourFinals.com.
| Name | Year-to-date Rank | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Nadal, Rafael ESP | 1 | 8700 |
| Federer, Roger SUI | 2 | 8390 |
| Djokovic, Novak SRB | 3 | 6675 |
| Murray, Andy GBR | 4 | 5385 |
| Davydenko, Nikolay RUS | 5 | 4785 |
| Soderling, Robin SWE | 6 | 4755 |
| Roddick, Andy USA | 7 | 4510 |
| Del Potro, Juan Martin ARG | 8 | 4395 |
| Verdasco, Fernando ESP | 9 | 3645 |
| Tsonga, Jo-Wilfried FRA | 10 | 3185 |
| Ferrer, David ESP | 11 | 3010 |
| Cilic, Marin CRO | 12 | 2945 |
| Berdych, Tomas CZE | 13 | 2825 |
| Youzhny, Mikhail RUS | 14 | 2690 |
| Ljubicic, Ivan CRO | 15 | 2215 |
| Melzer, Jurgen AUT | 16 | 2125 |
| Ferrero, Juan Carlos ESP | 17 | 2095 |
| Almagro, Nicolas ESP | 18 | 1960 |
| Isner, John USA | 19 | 1925 |
| Monfils, Gael FRA |
Source for below links: .daylife.com/article/Roland+Garros
Nadal cashes in on Soderling mistake
Portadown TodayDate: 06 June 2010 Rafael Nadal took the first set of today's French Open final against Robin Soderling 6-4 thanks to a glaring misjudgment from his opponent. Seeking his fifth Roland Garros title, Nadal weathered a confident start from the Swede and...
Nadal beats Soderling for 5th French title
The Swede, who was seeded fifth and upset Federer in the quarterfinals, again came up short in his 26th Grand Slam tournament. Nadal improved to 22-0 this year on clay and now switches to grass, where he'll seek a second Wimbledon title after missing... Full Article at Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Nadal outclasses Soderling
06 June 2010 Rafael Nadal produced another masterclass of clay-court tennis to win his fifth French Open title and avenge last year's defeat by Robin Soderling. The Spaniard saved his best performance of the tournament - and arguably of the season - for... Full Article at Arbroath Herald
Nadal pounds Soderling for 5th French title
Robin Soderling at Roland Garros to win another French Open title. PARIS - Rafael Nadal reclaimed his crown as the King of Clay on Sunday, and he did it with dogged defense. Chasing down shots all over the court, the relentless Spaniard won his fifth... Full Article at New York Daily News
Nadal wins French Open
16:31:42 Rafael Nadal today produced another masterclass of clay-court tennis to win his fifth French Open title and avenge last year's defeat by Robin Soderling. The Spaniard saved his best performance of the tournament - and arguably of the season -... Full Article at BreakingNews.ie
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On Rafa's Skipping Barcelona in 2010 (this article was posted following Rafa's pulling out of Barcelona....but I had to post it.)
AT LAST, NADAL SEES SENSE
By Andy Schooler
There would have been plenty of disappointed people in Barcelona this week when they heard Rafael Nadal had pulled out of the city's ATP tournament, but for Nadal's army of fans I suspect many actually cracked a little smile. I did and I won't have been the only one thinking 'about time too'. Many have put Nadal's hectic - some would say brutal - claycourt schedule at the heart of his injury problems over the years. Take last season when the Spaniard hopped from Monte Carlo to Barcelona. From there it was straight to Rome and finally Madrid. After four tournaments in five weeks, he'd played 18 matches (it would have been 20 but for two walkovers) before he even got to Roland Garros. And 2009 was far from unique, Nadal's schedule of the previous four years being almost identical. While all was good as Nadal was winning match after match on his favourite surface, there's no doubt his early-season efforts have taken their toll year after year since he emerged as a teenage star. Almost every season on the tour, Nadal's second half of the year has been largely disappointing by his high standards - and more importantly injuries (in particular his troublesome knee problems) have often come to the fore during this period. Finally, it seems, he's decided to do something about it. "I have to do everything that I can to ensure that every time I go on court I am at 100 per cent, in the best condition possible," he said, as he explained his decision to withdraw on Tuesday. "I don't think that three weeks of tennis without stopping is the most adequate way to prepare myself." That's what many of us tennis followers have been saying for years. Now, his body having told him to ease off so much over the past 12 months, he is listening . "With everything that has happened to me, to play for three consecutive weeks, taking into account that we are on clay and the matches tend to last a little longer, would be almost impossible," he added. "(The withdrawal) was a preventative measure. Luckily last week I played very well. I feel fine right now, but I have had many problems in this last year and can't afford to take any risks if I want to be in my best possible condition on court. That's my main objective." There's steely determination and much truth in those words - and that's bad news for the rest of the tour. Looking long term, Nadal wants a US Open title on his CV - and given that tournament is played on his most difficult surface, hardcourts, to win it he will have to arrive in New York in tip-top condition. His decision this week is a small move in that big picture but will surely help. Remember, should he win at Flushing Meadows, Nadal will become only the seventh man in history to complete the career Grannd Slam. Before then though he has a more immediate goal. You can bet your bottom dollar that the Mallorcan desperately wants his French Open crown back. A fifth title in Paris this year would take him to within one of Bjorn Borg's record of six. Until he reaches that mark, the title of 'greatest claycourter of all time' will surely elude him in some eyes. Frankly regaining the famous trophy shouldn't be too much trouble if what he showed us in Monte Carlo last week is anything to go by. Anyone who saw Nadal in Indian Wells and Miami (he suffered narrow semi-final defeats in both events) could see his game was getting back to its best. So when he arrived back on the 'terre battue' it really shouldn't have been much of a surprise to witness the dominance that unfolded. In becoming the first man in the Open era to win the same title in six successive years, the world number three lost just 14 games - a miserly amount. Had his bewildered opponents been fighting an election they would have lost their deposits. Fernando Verdasco, the world number 12 no less, claimed just a single game in the final. Some of Nadal's defensive shots have to be seen to be believed and the knee problems don't appear to have slowed him down at all - he remains as difficult as ever to get the ball past on the red dirt. Some will point out Roger Federer was not in attendance; he will be in Rome. Expect Nadal to start proving there that he has only lent the French Open title to the Swiss. And if he then goes on to nail that elusive US title, think back to this week's decision. It could be a great one. Do you agree with Andy? Is Nadal doing the right thing, or should players stick by their commitments to play? Send your feedback to: tennisfeedback@sportinglife.com.
Source: www.sportinglife.com/tennis/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=tennis/10/04/20/manual_222244.html
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(Front row) Spain's Queen Sofia (2L), France's Prime Minister Francois Fillon (C), President of the French tennis federation Jean Gachassin (2R), Paris' mayor Bertrand Delanoe (R), (2nd row), Patrick De Carolis, (L) president of France Televisions, French actress Isabelle Adjani (3R), (back row) FIA president Jean Todt (R) and Chinese actress Michelle Yeoh (2R) watch the men's final match between Sweden's Robin Soderling and Spain's Rafael Nadal in the French Open tennis championship at the Roland Garros stadium, on June 6, 2010, in Paris. Photo credit: Getty........................................................
Rafa off court
Uploaded June 6, 2010 by cbtweety77
Rafa
Spain's Rafael Nadal signs autographs after defeating Sweden's Robin Soderling in the men's final match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Sunday, June 6, 2010.
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning championship point during the men's singles final match between Rafael Nadal of Spain and Robin Soderling of Sweden on day fifteen of the French Open at Roland Garros on June 6, 2010 in Paris, France. Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Archived matches of The French Open 2010
I don't know how long these matches are available online. I couldn't find the match with Mina today listed, so maybe it has been removed.
[2]Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs. Gianni Mina (FRA)
[2]Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs. Horacio Zeballos (ARG) May 28, 2010
[2]Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs. [24]Thomaz Bellucci (BRA) May 31, 2010
[2]Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs. [19]Nicolas Almagro (ESP) June 2, 2010
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Extra:
Next Tournament is
AEGON Championships at The Queens Club
The grass court tournament Rafa uses as a warm-up to Wimbledon
For online viewing try
www.atdhe.net
www.fromsport.com
June 7 - 13, 2010
Queens Club.
Follow on twitter for AEGON Champs
Round 2 ~ Rafa will play Marcos Daniel
Rafa and Andy Murray are in the same half of the draw
Roddick and Djokovic are in the bottom half.
Verdasco and Tsonga withdrew.
Six-time Wimbledon winner Federer has never played Queen's.
Federer plays Halle instead of Queens Club, as will Hewitt
Rafa plays doubles
Rafa will play doubles with friend Marc Lopez -playing Tuesday
June 8, 2010
fifth match on Centre Court
The first match begins at 7:30 s.m. USA EDT
Draw
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ninzninz3
has a youtube video of her trip to
Queen's / Stella Artois Championships to see Rafa
(before he changed from on-court longer pants and from sleeveless attire)
2008
Rafa serving when he was 16 years old
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Darfur In the News
AFP: S.Sudan army says nine dead in clashes with insurgents. Nine people were killed on Wednesday in clashes between south Sudan army forces and insurgents, a southern army official said accusing Khartoum of instigating the violence. Clashes had occurred on Tuesday in the oil-producing Unity state between the former southern rebel Sudan People's Liberation Army and men loyal to renegade commander Galwak Gai. The southern army accused the men of acting on behalf of Khartoum in a bid to destablise southern Sudan ahead of a referendum on independence scheduled for January next year, which the Khartoum army denies.
AFP: UN chief urges support for war crimes prosecution. UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Monday called for greater global support for war crimes prosecutions at the start of a conference aimed at bolstering the International Criminal Court. Since the court began working in 2002, The Hague-based tribunal has spearheaded global efforts to punish genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. It has issued the world's first war crimes warrant for a sitting leader, against Sudan's President Omar al-Beshir over atrocities in Darfur. "We want to send a strong message that atrocities and heinous crimes cannot go unpunished," the UN secretary general said. "We want to bolster the court's deterrent effect and make potential perpetrators think twice before they act."
Sudan Tribune: Darfur JEM claims shooting down a Sudanese army helicopter. The Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) said on Wednesday that they had shot down a Sudanese Apache army helicopter near South Darfur capital town of Nyala yesterday killing five of its crew. The frequency of clashes between JEM and Sudanese government forces have increased dramatically particularly after breakdown in Qatari-sponsored peace talks between the two sides. The rebel group accused Khartoum of violating a framework agreement signed earlier this year calling for a cessation of hostilities.
Radio Netherlands Worldwide: Darfuris press Rome Statute states parties to zero in on Bashir. A grouping of over 40 Darfuri and other western Sudan indigenous groups based in North America and Europe want state parties to strengthen the International Criminal Court so it carries its mandate effectively. In a statement distributed at the ongoing ICC review conference in Kampala, Uganda, the Darfuris call for "clear and effective mechanisms for the execution of arrest warrants," singling out Sudanese President Omar al Bashir and Uganda's Joseph Kony as key suspects who must be brought to book. Niemat Ahmadi, the Darfuri liaison officer for Washington-based Save Darfur Coalition, said while they appreciate the work of the ICC so far, member states should take up the responsibility to help the ICC to fulfil its mandate. "If there is no cooperation pending arrest warrants may discourage the court," said Niemat. "We know the ICC has no police but state parties and groupings like NATO and the African Union should make sure that justice is done."
Reuters: Sudanese security forces beat doctors in protest march. Sudanese doctors said they were going on strike on Thursday after security forces attacked a peaceful protest march through Khartoum by hundreds of medical personnel. In what was seen as crackdown on dissent following national elections, security officials armed with sticks attacked the doctors, injuring many of the more than 500 who had joined Wednesday's demonstration to protest at the arrest of their leaders, witnesses said.
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Vice President Joe Biden is traveling to Egypt, Kenya and South Africa for meetings with key African leaders this week.
The vice president will discuss a range of issues during his trip, but the situation in Sudan needs to be at the top of his agenda.
This is an important opportunity for the United States to demonstrate leadership on the issues facing Sudan and engage important regional players in solving the country's interlocking crises.
Ask Vice President Biden to make Sudan a priority on his trip to Africa now.
The vice president's first stop is in Egypt - Sudan's northern neighbor and home to tens of thousands of Sudanese refugees. Egypt has allowed refugees to remain within its borders, but the Sudanese living there are increasingly facing harassment and possible deportation.
Decades of conflict has resulted in hundreds of thousands of Sudanese refugees, and the United States must insist that Egypt and all of Sudan's neighbors treat these displaced people fairly and humanely. On this issue, our leadership is critical.
If the final stages of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement are not implemented and post-referendum negotiations between the NCP/SPLM do not lay out a peaceful path forward, the referendum scheduled for January 2011 could return the country to war. Egypt, Kenya and South Africa all played a key role in the creation of the CPA and their cooperation is essential to building a lasting peace in Sudan.
The problems of Sudan will ultimately be resolved by Sudanese. But, international cooperation and increased U.S. leadership will facilitate the process of tackling the interlocking political crises and challenges without a resort to deadly violence.
You can also contact the President:
www.whitehouse.gov/contactFor organizations (more word count allowed)
www.whitehouse.gov/contact/organizations
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
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