Rafael Nadal Falls in Rome

Posted by T. A. Niles May 7, 2008

Federer Favorite for Final

I think a heavy weight was lifted off Roger Federer’s chest today…or maybe the weight grew heavier. With Nadal out of the fray in Rome, Federer is now the favorite. Does that make him breathe easier or clog up the airways a bit? Only Roger knows and only his performance on the court will tell.

Upsets the Norm in Rome

There have certainly been a few surprises thus far at the Internazionali Bnl D'italia. In addition to Nadal falling on clay, who would have picked Radek Stepanek to take down David Ferrer? Not many would have picked Nicolas Almagro to bounce David Nalbandian. Once again, parity is in the house.

Good Match-ups in 16s

There are some decent match-ups in the round of 16, particularly the Davydenko-Robredo match. If the non-betting Davydenko shows up he ought to get by Robredo, but ya never know. Federer ought to take down Ivo “The Giant” Karlovic without much trouble.

Andy Roddick & James Blake Face Tests

Andy Roddick and James Blake will have their hands full with Simone Bolelli and Fernando Verdasco, respectively. If Novak Djokovic doesn’t bring his best, Andreev has the stuff to spank him. After all the talk about Djokovic quitting in Monte Carlo, I’m betting Djokovic will not be Djokin’ and will do all he can to come out smokin’.

Federer-Djokovic Dream Semi

Fernando Gonzalez escaped Janko Tipsarevic in a third set breaker, and now he’s got another tough one against Nico Almagro, who has plenty of game to beat anyone if he can just get the brain cells lined up right. Of course the really sweet match-up will be the Federer-Djokovic battle if they both reach the semis. Stay tuned for that one. Lemme go check the women…Game, set, match…