French Open 2009

The tennis world is a buzz as the 2009 French Open gets underway. And as usual the excitement is derived from the sporting world's top rivalry Nadal vs Federer, or rather the 2009 version which is Federer vs Nadal.

Nadal broke through last year in Federer's home at Wimbledon winning arguably the greatest match ever played. He then reasserted his stature with a resounding win at the 2009 Australian open, demonstrating he has the game to beat federer on his two most natural surfaces. But as the 23 year old Nadal sets to defend his unbelievable, unparallelled undefeated record (4 and 0) at the tour's only clay court major, the tennis world is asking is it Roger's turn to break through?

The French open is the one major that has thus far eluded federer in his remarkable career thus far, and if it weren't for Nadal's emergence at the exact time 4 years ago Federer had learned how to play on clay, he probably would own a couple. But with a very shallow pool of clay courters with the game to match the fed on clay, it is just assumed we will be looking at another federer vs nadal final at Roland Garros. And I must say, Nadal looked very beatable last week in Madrid. I say this not only because of Federer's straight set victory, but if Jokavich possessed any bit of competitive metal, Nadal would have been out in the semis. And although I still have to give the statistical nod to Rafa should Federer and Nadal meet two weeks Sunday, I believe Federer will do something legendary, and that there is a good chance Rafa may fall victim to an earlier round foe.

Dwight Howard Wins on Free Throws?

Sunday nights game 3 battle between King James's Cavs and Dwight "Superman" Howard's Magic came down to a battle of 4th quarter free throws between the next generation superstars. And the result was an astounding 3 point victory for Howard?

That's right, with the decision still in doubt Howard steps up to the free throw line and knocks in two clutch free throws. Lebron then follows suit by going one for two leaving game margin at a two possession 4 point game. Then Howard again gets fouled and astoundingly defies the odds and knocks them both down. Lebron then pushes hard to the line, gets the call and fires up two complete blanks.

I am a Lebron fan, and his 41 points kept Cleveland kicking all night. And watching his rise to superstardom with the last second game 2 winner was incredible. But c'mon, if you cant out duel mini shack in a free throw battle for the series lead, you will never be top of the food chain.