Baby I swear, it’s déjà vu!

 

Since the claycourt season started a couple of weeks ago, I am having yet another déjà vu. It's been years now and the same scenario keeps on repeating itself. Rafael Nadal, who was good, but not utmost best at the beginning of the year, is once again dominating the tour. I just wonder how long he will be able to sustain this rhythm. He has done it for the last 6 years now and it looks like he'll carry on doing it as there is no one to stop him. I put all my faith in Federer, but after his shock loss to Melzer in Monte Carlo, the prospects are not at all optimistic. I am curious how Djokovic will react though. He is unbeaten this season and he won his last two meeting with the Spaniard. However, clay is surely not his playground and I expect Nadal to turn the tables.

Without diminishing his achievements, I think Nadal was a bit lucky these past two weeks. In Monte Carlo, he took advantage of an injured Andy Murray who looked poised to cause an upset in their semifinal clash. Then, with Federer out and Djokovic skipping the tournament, he faced David Ferrer in the final showdown. David did his best, fought hard, but, eventually, his efforts were to no avail, as Nadal won his seventh straight crown.

A week later in Barcelona, the scarcity of big names entering the draw provided Nadal with a relatively easy passage to the final. Once again, he faced compatriot Ferrer in the final act. Again, Ferrer put on a fierce display, especially in the second set, but an injury ended his quest and he had to succumb. Nadal won the match 6-4, 6-4.

As things stand at the moment, I would expect the Spaniard to continue his dominance and finally to add another Roland Garros title to his resume. Sadly, there is no one to really challenge him. Soderling did it once, but probably won’t do it again. Djokovic and Murray are no match on clay and Federer is struggling mentally and psychically. However, never say never. I would really like to witness a change this year and Del Potro might just be the villain to spoil Nadal’s party.

photo: GETTY IMAGES