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Yinette PerezNadal beats Vilas' record, Roddick, Murray, Safin
May 31st 2006 10:19
Rafael Nadal has become the player with the highest clay court streak ever, beating Guillermo Vilas' record of 53 consecutive wins on clay after he defeated Robin Soderling of Sweden in the first round of the French Open.
Nadal had a easy straight sets victory, beating Soderling 6-2 7-5 6-1. The Spanish teenager looks to defend his Grand Slam title here, with the main competitor for the title being World Number 1 Roger Federer, who looks to complete his Grand Slam resume by adding the only one that is missing to his collection.
Rafa was presented with a trophy presented to him by Guillermo Vilas himself, who was present to watch Rafael's match. The trophy is made of glass, the design depicting the many layers which compose the clay court surface.
© Oliver Weiken/epa/Corbis
Andy Roddick is out of the French Open after injuring his foot and having to retire after trailing 4-6 5-7 0-1. He originally injured his ankle at the World Team Cup in Germany last week, which Croatia won. Andy has only advanced to the 3rd round once, on his 2001 debut.
It must have been a bad day for the Andys because Scottish teenager Andy Murray also suffered back problems through his five-set match against frenchman Gael Monfils. Gael beat Andy M 6-4 6-7 1-6 6-2 6-1.
Murray was 5-1 up in the third when the problems with his back started becoming more obvious and he asked for the trainer several times. As well, it was noticable that Murray started running around less in the later matches, preferring to keep to baseline rallying.
The match was spectacular, with drop shots, volleying, baseline rallying, a lot of different elements combined. (One of the reasons I like watching clay play.)
Gael Monfils made the umpire get down off his chair to check ball marks for several calls, to the booing of the French crowd.
Marat Safin is also out of the French Open, losing to Fernando Gonzales. In a two and a half hour match, the Chilean, seeded ninth, beat the unseeded Russian 6-3 1-6 6-3 6-1.
Nadal had a easy straight sets victory, beating Soderling 6-2 7-5 6-1. The Spanish teenager looks to defend his Grand Slam title here, with the main competitor for the title being World Number 1 Roger Federer, who looks to complete his Grand Slam resume by adding the only one that is missing to his collection.
Rafa was presented with a trophy presented to him by Guillermo Vilas himself, who was present to watch Rafael's match. The trophy is made of glass, the design depicting the many layers which compose the clay court surface.
Nadal breaks record
© Oliver Weiken/epa/Corbis
Andy Roddick is out of the French Open after injuring his foot and having to retire after trailing 4-6 5-7 0-1. He originally injured his ankle at the World Team Cup in Germany last week, which Croatia won. Andy has only advanced to the 3rd round once, on his 2001 debut.
It must have been a bad day for the Andys because Scottish teenager Andy Murray also suffered back problems through his five-set match against frenchman Gael Monfils. Gael beat Andy M 6-4 6-7 1-6 6-2 6-1.
Murray was 5-1 up in the third when the problems with his back started becoming more obvious and he asked for the trainer several times. As well, it was noticable that Murray started running around less in the later matches, preferring to keep to baseline rallying.
The match was spectacular, with drop shots, volleying, baseline rallying, a lot of different elements combined. (One of the reasons I like watching clay play.)
Gael Monfils made the umpire get down off his chair to check ball marks for several calls, to the booing of the French crowd.
Marat Safin is also out of the French Open, losing to Fernando Gonzales. In a two and a half hour match, the Chilean, seeded ninth, beat the unseeded Russian 6-3 1-6 6-3 6-1.
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