May 18, 2010

Tennis Canada

Rafael Nadal completed a sweep of all Masters 1000 singles titles on clay this season as he topped Roger Federer in straight sets 6-4, 7-6 (5) at the Mutua Madrilena Madrid Open. This tournament was the last of the three Masters events leading up to the French Open that begins Sunday, May 23.

Nadal was bursting with excitement as he defeated Federer, reversing the results of the 2009 final at the same event. Nadal, a Madrid native, captured his third consecutive clay court championship of the season with his screaming hometown fans behind him.

Nadal's record is 15-0 on clay this season including wins at both Monte Carlo and Rome. His game is in top shape for the French Open and he seems to have overcome the ongoing knee injury that plagued him throughout 2009.

Latvia's Ernests Gulbis again faced No.1 ranked, Roger Federer, but unfortunately did not have the same luck he had in Rome, as Federer took the match in the quarter-finals, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.

The Spaniards are still looking good as David Ferrer advanced to the semis, but was defeated by Federer 7-5, 3-6, 6-3. Nicolas Almagro, another young Spaniard, was ranked No. 35 entering the tournament, but improved to No. 22 after defeating top players Robin Soderling (No. 7), Juan Monaco (No. 30), and Jurgen Melzer (No. 26) before falling to Nadal in the semis.

This clay season has been a great success for Nadal as he has just captured his 18th Masters 1000 title, breaking Andre Agassi's record total. He is considered the top contender heading into Roland Garros and it will certainly be a challenge for Federer to retain his French Open title from a year ago.