The French Open has started up again. The excitement is overwhelming. This is the moment of the season for all tennis fans to begin watching the majors again; the moment to watch Roger Federer’s impressive forehand and to whine as the U.S. begins to falter. Since it has been a few months that there was a tennis major, fans are anticipating the grueling competition among the ruthless, talented players. Along with talent comes the grunting, the throwing of rackets, the yelling at the umpire, the sweating, and the falling and diving into the red clay.
At the French Open, Roland Garros will have a competition so fierce, no other sport can compare: Roger Federer (No. 1 seed) vs. Rafael Nadal (No. 2 seed). There almost is no question that when it comes down to the finals, they will be facing each other AGAIN. The reporters covering the French Open know this, which is why they mention them in every article awaiting the moment that the two face off.
Last year was an upset at the French Open. Federer was on Nadal’s turf, who is a two-time defending champion on clay. He conquers the clay court, unlike Federer who conquers the grass court. But last year on June 11, 2006, Federer lost to his tennis nemesis and ultimate opponent 1-6, 6-1, 6-4, 7-6(4).
Federer is considered one of the best tennis players ever. It sounds sort of cliché and school girlish, but he is pretty close to catching up to Pete Sampras’ record in winning Grand Slam Championships.
In the first round, Federer defeated American Michael Russell 6-4, 6-2, 6-4. He was not broken in this match, and hopefully he will not be for the remainder of the tournament.
The anxiety of watching the Americans play is frustrating. Andy Roddick (No. 3 seed) was out in the first round against Russian Igor Andreev 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. What an upset! The highest-ranked American player is out in the first round. What is happening? Roddick was up in his game. His serves were better than ever, but he faltered in this match, making too many unforced errors.
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