04/19/24
May 31, 2009
Nadal Suffers Shocking Loss at French Open: Four-time champ Rafael Nadal has been beaten at the French Open, ending a 31-game winning streak at the tournament. The "Swedish sledgehammer" Robin Soderling -- the 23rd seed at the event -- defeated Nadal 6-2, 6-7 (2), 6-4, 7-6 (2) in the fourth round. Nadal's loss gives Roger Federer his best chance to complete a career Grand Slam.
He should fire uncle Toni and hire Larry Stefanki!!!
posted by stride at 06:23 PM on May 31, 2009
Federer also can tie Sampras' record of career Grand Slam event wins, perhaps continuing discussions of who is the best ever.
posted by BoKnows at 11:45 PM on June 01, 2009
People are talking about how LeBron did not going up to any of the Magic players after the Magic sent the Cavs home packing but Nadal and Soderling do not like one another at all but Nadal had the professionalism to shake Soderling's hand afterwards. That's called having character...not being one.
posted by BornIcon at 10:15 AM on June 02, 2009
I was reading about the same thing elsewhere, BornIcon. It's interesting to me because in LBJ's case, it's not all him. At least he can talk about teammates and sleep knowing and really did do all he could and his teammates just flatout didn't step out. In Nadal's case, it is ALL on him. The only thing to blame is his lack of play.
posted by jmd82 at 10:33 AM on June 02, 2009
No doubt but to not only be able to blame yourself for the loss but to put all the drama to the side and show sportsmanship regardless if it's in a win or a loss is what being a professional athlete is all about.
posted by BornIcon at 10:52 AM on June 02, 2009
Here's the L.A. Times article comparing Nadal and Lebron.
posted by cjets at 08:01 PM on June 02, 2009
Did he blame Michelle Larcher de Brito yet?