CAMELOT FANTASIES

Well folks, the first set was like waiting to see which one would blink first. On Roger's chance at break point, 4 all, he was too tentative with a rather short ball early in the rally and just hit it straight back down the center to No1e. It was the kind of match where he had to be aggressive with every opportunity, and on that key point he wasn't and No1e held serve for 5-4 in what turned out to be a very important game. Then No1e had that brilliant return and ended up breaking Federer for the set. Djokovic returned much much better today than all tournament, which he needed to do. Federer played some brilliant shots at times, but at other times he was very ordinary, netting too many shots where it looked like he wanted to just get over the net to bring Djokovic in. His return was inconsistent, some very good, but not good enough to mount enough break chances, considering No1e was going to usually take the long rallies.

The opening break in the second set seemed a hangover for Federer from the first set, and that was all it took. No1e was just too strong in defense and serve in the second set, no lulls this time. I believe that Ferrer match helped him with his ground game where he hit so many balls against and past the Wall.

Congratulations to No1e and well done for raising his game to play his best in the final! Condolences to Roger for reaching the final and playing a good tournament that he wasn't sure of playing.

On to Roland Garros!

Respectfully,
masterclass

It's sad that Federer didn't win Rome for the first time. Congratulations to Nole for the win, and Federer for reaching the final.