It’s spring, the courts are red (and blue?) and Rafa still rules—and rules and rules and rules. A brief April report card as we charge down the road to Roland Garros.
Head of the Class
Another April, another winning streak for Rafael Nadal. The world No. 2 hasn’t lost in April since 2005, before he won his first French Open title, a run of 77 straight matches. The biggest of them all came in Monte Carlo, where he drubbed a tired and distracted Novak Djokovic, 6-3, 6-1, Nadal’s first victory over his rival after seven straight losses (all in finals). Nadal now owns eight Monte Carlo titles and seven Barcelona titles. Those are video game numbers. But is the Djokovic hex over, or does the world No. 1, saddened by the death of his grandfather, still know what it takes to beat Nadal on every surface? Stay tuned.
Maria Sharapova earns top honors, too, for her impressive victory in Stuttgart, where she beat Victoria Azarenka for the first time since Rome last year, when she won by retirement. Sharapova has won at least one title every year since 2003, a streak she shares with Roger Federer. Remember when Sharapova, age 17 and incapable of missing, looked like she would be the Federer of her era? It hasn’t worked out that way, but despite many disappointments and injuries, she has proven herself to be patient, dedicated and resilient—impressive attributes for someone who earns as much money as any tennis player and doesn’t need to be any of those things.
Skip a Grade
Welcome to the big time, Brian Baker. After five surgeries and years of bad luck, the once promising prospect—he won the French Open junior title—is healthy and on a winning streak. His recent success at several challenger events earned him the USTA wild card into the French Open.
Achievement Award
Congrats to Jennifer Capriati, a worthy Hall of Famer.
Sentenced to Detention
The Hall of Fame that did well by Capriati continues to snub Nick Bollettieri, the most successful tennis coach of his, and perhaps any, generation. No coach has had more influence on the modern game, and he continues to work.
Most Dependable
Three cheers for Azarenka, who helped Andrea Petkovic off the court in Stuttgart after she rolled her ankle. Petko, recover quickly, be well—and better yet, be lucky. The tour misses you tons.
Department of Tall…
John Isner, who reached the final in Houston, and Milos Raonic, who beat Andy Murray in Barcelona, are primed for a few upsets this clay-court season.
…and Small
Oftentimes, it’s great to be the second-best tennis player from a country. When that country is Spain, it’s like being the second best band playing Madison Square Garden…when the Rolling Stones are the headliner. Pity David Ferrer, who has been Nadal’s permanent warm-up act in Barcelona. He reached his fourth Barcelona final this weekend, and lost his fourth to Nadal.
Off to College
The tennis version of Linsanity? It’s happening at Columbia University.
Won’t Be Sitting At the Same Lunch Table
This shoulder-on-shoulder confrontation was more tap than bump, but will add to the rivalry that has defined women’s tennis so far this season—and could for the rest of the year, too.