Just back from DC

I just got back from my 5th trip to DC in 2 years. I like DC much better than I do New York, but maybe that's just because I know more people there. Either way, I'll have a post about it soon.

The French Open is taking place right now. It is one of the 4 major tennis tournaments each year (similar to the US Open, British Open, Masters and PGA Championship in golf). The event is the only of the 4 majors played on clay, a surface suited to slower, more strategic players verses power players. The Americans these days do not do well at the French since power has come to define the American game. In fact, Pete Sampras, the individual with the most major championships of all time never won the French Open.

These days in tennis, we are witnessing perhaps the greatest clay court player in history. If he's not the best ever, he's certainly second to Bjorn Borg. Rafael Nadal from the island of Mallorca off the coast of Spain has never in his life lost a match on the clay of Roland Garros (in Paris and the site of the French Open). At 21 years old, "Rafa" is 3-time defending champion. Currently No.2 in the world, Nadal has no other major championship victories. To give you perspective of how good he really is on clay, world No 1 Roger Federer has a 1-8 record vs Nadal on clay two of those being French Open finals. Within the last 3-4 years, Roger displayed absolute dominance over the sport of tennis on all surfaces except on clay with Rafa on the other side. This year, it looks like those two will once again meet for the final, and once again, Nadal will likely be the victor. He is on an absolute tear this tournament - none of his opponents are even threatening him. The statistics paint a picture of complete domination. If you are a sports fan, you should try to see this guy play on clay sometime before his reign over the surface ends. Notice that he hits forehands that loop high over the net - he does this with incredible topspin making the ball bounce very high creating awkward shots for his opponents. The clay makes the ball bounce higher than other surfaces giving Rafa's game a huge advantage. His competitiveness is unmatched in the sport - he hustles to every ball including many that others give up on. He's the sort of guy you like to see out there.

You can catch the French Open on ESPN2, NBC, and the Tennis Channel. If you only watch one match, try to see the men's final if it turns out being Rafael Nadal v Roger Federer - it will certainly be a classic.