French Open Finals - 2007

Men's Finals
June 10, 2007 - Sunday
ATP - PARIS STAYS A DREAM
Roger’s dream of the Grand Slam has once again been destroyed by Rafael Nadal. Our star simply committed too many errors with Rafa showing a very constant performance: 3-6, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6.

“I am a little sad about the way I played,” said Roger.

“I have not accomplished what I had planned. But this was certainly not the last time I played here, I’ll try again next year.”

Roger beat Nadal in the Hamburg Masters final in May to end the Spaniard's record 81-match winning streak on clay, but he never really looked like winning today. He failed to convert his first 11 breakpoint chances, putting pressure on his own serve by repeatedly allowing Nadal to hold. Nadal saved 16 of 17 break points and broke serve four times in 10 chances. He had only 27 unforced errors to 59 for Roger.

Nadal relentlessly probed his opponent's weaker side, sometimes forcing Roger to hit half a dozen backhands in a rally. Roger did have chances to take command at different points in the match - but unfortunately never really succeeded.

Women's Finals
Allez Justine! Henin wins fourth title

June 9, 2007
For the fourth time, Justine Henin proved that she's by far the best clay court player of her generation. In another airtight and almost perfect performance, the Belgian won her fourth Roland Garros title with a 6-1, 6-2 destruction of Ana Ivanovic in the final on Saturday.

“It's my magic garden and my second home” Henin said of Philippe Chatrier court.

“It's the only court in the world where I have such a great feeling. It's amazing.”

After double-faulting to be broken in the opening game of the contest, Henin amped up her game and completely suffocated the 19-year-old Serbian, attacking her second serves, launching huge forehands and scurrying about the court retrieving any and all huge shots that Ivanovic threw at her. Henin served big and intelligently to specific areas, moved her high variety backhand around the court and stayed keenly focused during the entire match.

Six Grand Slam titles
Henin has now won six Grand Slam titles, four of them being crowns in her beloved Paris. In her four title runs here, she has not even been pushed in a final, never dropping a set and losing only 13 games in victories over Kim Clijsters (2003), Mary Pierce (2005), Svetlana Kuznetsova (2006) and Ivanovic. The fleet mover has not lost a set since needing three to down Kuznetsova in the fourth round in 2005.

“I keep fighting on every point. I don't want to give anything to anyone,” said Henin,

who became the second player in the Open Era to win three straight Roland Garros singles titles, joining Monica Seles, who achieved the feat between 1990 and 1992.

The 25-year-old also became the first player to win four titles since all-time great Steffi Graf, who won the last of her six crowns in 1999.

Sources:
http://www.rogerfederer.com

http://www.yahoo.com/ten
http://www.rolandgarros.com


**Okei.. I've watched the women's and men's finals live on Solar Sports channel and I'm quite happy for the results, except that my bet for men's lost. But it's really alright..sometimes the best of all can experience defeat.. ;)

For Henin and Ivanovic..I really expected that Henin will win the match because it's her fave surface..she can even be regarded as the "Queen of Clay"..she had won a number of grand slam titles in Roland Garros and she really moves well on that surface.

For Men's...of course I want Federer to win..but I think the article above was right..
"Paris stays a dream"...
but until when will he be dreaming??
While watching, I was really happy by the support given to him by those who watched in Centre Court last June 10..Just like this:

If I would be given the chance to watch the games at Paris, for sure I will do the same..Because..I'm a fan! (.^__^.)
I wonder how Roger feels if he's playing for the title in front of thousands of crowds like this...Pressured? Happy? Excited? Satisfied?



Even though Federer lost..it's alright! There's still more time to make-up for the errors and to play great tennis in clay court. Next year...STOP DREAMING! (.^__^.)
Here's more pictures: Hope you'll enjoy especially for those avid tennis fans!

**Change of trophies look nicer on the pics..might as well suggest it!
Hmmmm... Better wait for next year.. (.^__^.)

Happy Father's Day to all Fathers in the world!

Finally... I've got time to update my blog again! (.^__^.)
Classes had officially started since Wednesday, June 13, 2007 and, unfortunately, I was LATE! Oh yeah..right..first day of classes and then late agad? Really proves that I'm not a morning person..really lazy in the morning...can't help it!
But, honestly, it isn't my fault..it's that TRAFFIC! Why is it that it's so traffic that early in the morning? I was really comtemplating about that when I was caught stranded somewhere in Manila and then it hit me..why should I be so stupid? Of course, lots of students have the same start of class schedule like mine..7:00am. Elementary, Highschool and College - all levels! But, of course, take into consideration the excitement that all students feels especially that it's the FIRST DAY OF CLASSES.
I'm going to have a big PROBLEM on the next couple of days, that's for sure!

And then when I arrived at school and was about to run coz time is really running out for me, there's this one incoming freshman who asked for my help to look for her classroom. Our college has a bit weird system of arranging the classroom numbers that's why those who were new will not be able to find it at once..it'll take them ages because that's what happened to me last year. Anyway, I accompanied her to her classroom without any complains (though I was a bit reluctant because I was already late for 30 minutes), that's the real attitude of a certified Student Assistant, isn't it? No complains - just keep it to yourself!

When I arrived in our classroom at the 3rd floor (good thing we're a floor lower than last year!) , my Literature teacher was already there giving her 1st day reminders and instructions. I had a sure feeling that she already marked me absent..but I think it's unfair because it's the first day of classes. Aren't there any consideration? =)
Though I want to ask our professor if she marked me absent, I thought that, perhaps, my reasoning was really nonsense! Besides she might get angry or get irritated with me...that'll reflect on the grades that she'll give to me for this semester. I must play safe..can't afford to have a 1st day bad shot!

I've met my other professors except for our Business Administration subject. I think all of them were nice..I just don't know if they're nice in giving out grades. Medyo papakiramdaman ko muna sila..they might change, which is a possibility.

I'm happy that it's Sunday already...I'm a bit tired because majority of our professors gave out assignments and homeworks already. They're pressuring us agad. Is it really like this if you're on the 2nd year of college?
Hmmmm.. Maybe.

Shucks..I forgot na to post about the Finals match of Federer and Nadal during the French Open last time..can't believe it! I totally forgot it! I'll try talaga to post it though it's super tagal na..Next post above this will be about that..both mens and womens finals!
As of now, I missed watching Federer on TV playing great tennis. His next tournament will be Wimbledon at Great Britain which will start on June 25. And, as expected, Roger is again seeded as no. 1 player to grab the title for the 5th time!
Take note: 5th time!
That's really awesome!
And by the way Federer's website http://rogerfederer.com/ already changed it's color from orange to green for the Wimbledon tournament happens on Grass..at it's the end of clay season. No more King of Clay this time..(.^__^.)

Okei...till here nalang!
Bye.. =D

Time is really running out! I didn't even felt my summer vacation.
It's just.... GONE! Good-bye.. ='(
Tomorrow will be the start of our classes for this academic year, 1st semester. I'm really excited to see my blockmates and friends and our new classroom now that we're on the 3rd floor. Of course who will ever forget our professors? I'm also happy to see them...but not that excited. =P

As what you can see, my past blog entries had all been about the French Open, or to be precise, about the French Open games of Roger Federer. The tournament's over now and champions have defended their title.
It's hard for me to say this...Well, here it goes: Roger Federer lost to Rafael Nadal for the 2nd time at the French Open Finals. Rafa is still the undisputed King of Clay! I've watched it live last Sunday and Federer really done his best to win, ( I really mean it!) but it's not just meant for him. He played a fantastic game but his opponent just played better.
For the record, Roger Federer has 10 wins and 2 losses for all the Grand Slam Finals he had namely Australian Open (3), Wimbledon (4), and US Open (3) so 2 of his losses came from that French Open!!!!
I'll post the finals game next time...both of the men's and women's finals.
As of now, I'll just share to you what happened last Thursday..(.^__^.)

June 7, 2007 - Thursday
It's our last work day for Student Assistants this semester so as the last day of enrollment in UST. This time only a few students we're required by Sir Nuevo for work will not be that heavy. I like to call ourselves "The Secret SA's"...isn't it cool?! Only 7 students were informed that there will be work that day so we were advised to keep our mouth shut so that the others will not know about this.

As soon as we arrived at school we're immediately assigned to our designated spots and as for me, Sir Nuevo assigned me to stay first inside his office so that he can have someone to give instructions immediately.
Hwwwhhhaatt?! Ako lang talaga yung nandun sa loob because busy si Sir sa pag-eentertain ng iba't-ibang students and parents na may kanya-kanyang problems. Actually, at first, it's a bit boring kasi wala pang inutos agad si sir. I started to get the newspaper and read about the headline and the sports bulletin (quickly looked for any tennis news) and then texted some of the SA's and asked them if they got loads of clients na. Well, buti nalang konti pa...at least I'm not missing a lot of things...or I mean a lot of people!

After 30 minutes, at last, I already received an instruction. He asked me to accompany an incoming male freshman to look for his section so that he can have his schedule na. Unfortunately, wala yung name niya sa list of successful applicants. Sobrang naawa ako sa face niya nung nalamn niya yun...nagpareserve pa naman daw siya ng slot for Commerce where he got passed marks during the Entrance Exams. Buti nalang may nahanap sa solution sa problem niya. Yung nga lang, SUPER TAGAL! Nag-slow down daw kasi yung system ng UST that's why mabagal din mag-update. If I'm not mistaken mga 5 hours siya naghihintay...super kawawa talaga. Buti nalang hindi siya nag-iisa...marami siyang kasama!
Well, what matters the most is that their names were cleared in our college and that they'll have a sure seat in one of our classrooms on the 13th of June.

Some say that athletes will be enrolled on the last day, so it means today is the day that we'll be seeing them. I'm not expecting much or, should I say, expecting someone to see for I'm too busy attending to the instructions that I have to fulfill. I think I've been walking from our college building to the Seminary Gym for at least 5 times already. It's a bit far, you know plus take into consideration the heat of the sun!

Speaking of expectations, honestly, I don't have any...until I saw one.
When I was about to leave the gym and was about to proceed to our building AGAIN, I saw someone familiar. I've seen lots of faces which were familiar to me but this one is different. (wonder how different it is..)
And then suddenly, I just said "Shucks, si Dylan"...
haha..talagang may ganong factor pa! Yeah, okei, I saw him but I'm a bit shy to say Hi or even give a smile or a wave because it's been a long time since I've seen him. We still have classes back then and I think he had forgotten me na. (expect that for there's a lot of people,both girls and boys, stalking him and proudly claims themselves as his close friends..Well I'm not one of them, not this time!)
And then, just when I was about to remove my eyes from him, he saw him and..uhhmmm..well, the rest is history. I can't explain what had happened...just imagine if you want to! (.^__^.)
I was about to say the very used line "Hey! Long time no see ah!"..but I was out of words to say that time. It's just like...uhmmm..it feels like...oh! never mind! There's no right word to describe it.
And then I just heard my co-SA asked me.."Marielle, close kayo?"
(oops..I forgot that I'm with someone all along that thing happened!)
All I could say is: "YES(?)"

After that everything went on smoothly. I got my payment already and I'm so happy to have it finally secured on my wallet. I've got plans for it...I just have to look for the list I've done last time. But of course, the best thing to do is to save some of it for...maybe for emergency purposes. But still I want to see the product of it! (.^__^.)

Quarterfinals and Semifinals Match:

June 5, 2007 - Quarterfinals: ROGER BLOWS PAST ROBREDO
Roger produced a truck load of jaw-dropping tennis at the French Open today as he brushed aside Tommy Robredo 7-5 1-6 6-1 6-2 to sweep into the French Open semi-finals.

"It's never easy to play Tommy especially on clay, it's his favourite surface," Roger said. "Sadly, I had too many errors in the second set but overall it was a good test."

"I don't lose sets 6-1 that often, you know," Federer said, "so you're like, 'Oh, come on.”

Robredo looked at his mini-victory this way: "It was as if I had said, 'Hello! Wake up!"

"In the second set, for some reason, I just couldn't really figure out how to play him or the way I want to play him," Federer said. "I didn't figure it out

He just started playing so good," said Robredo, who won his first career match against Federer back in 2002 but has lost the eight meetings since.

"Not looking for excuses, but you know, it was windy. And I didn't play well in that set, that's for sure," Federer said.

"But he played solid. Didn't miss much. Used his forehand very well."

Federer also acknowledged a strategic error, saying he was "hitting too flat instead of looping the ball a bit more and using the wind."
The match started in familiar fashion, with Roger racing into a 2-0 lead as he put on his serious game face on the Court Chatrier.

But credit to Robredo, who dug in and managed to break back to level things up at 2-2.

The remainder of the set went to serve, until Roger typically, upped his game at 5-5 to break and ultimately take the first set 7-5.

Then our star's form dipped dramatically and he landed just 28% of his first serves in a second set he lost convincingly. It was the first set Roger had lost at a Grand Slam since the final of the US Open last year, an 11-match-in-a-row record he shared with John McEnroe.

Roger then clearly shifted a gear, sending his winners whistling around the Chatrier Court like bullets in a Wild West shoot-out. He clearly underlined that he is in great shape on any surface.

Roger will next face Nikolay Davydenko, the Russian fourth seed. Go, Roger!

June 8, 2007 - Semifinals:ROGER REACHES THE FINAL!
Roger is just one step away! He reached his eighth straight Grand Slam final today with a hard-fought 7-5, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (7) win over fourth-seeded Nikolay Davydenko at the French Open.

"It was one of the toughest matches I have ever played,” Roger said after his ninth victory in series against Davydenko.

“It was very close and I could just as well have lost in three sets. I am extremely happy with this result.”

Roger is hoping to win a first Roland Garros title to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win the Grand Slam – four consecutive grand slam titles – a feat he acknowledged "would boost my career in an incredible way". Should Nadal win his semi-final it would certainly be the match of the year because of the stakes.

"If [Federer] wins the French Open, he'll be the greatest player of all time," said John McEnroe, who knows how much frustration clay can cause. McEnroe, Pete Sampras, Jimmy Connors, Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg are among the grand slam champions who never won the French Open.

In beating Davydenko, Roger has reached his eighth consecutive major final, breaking the record he shared with Jack Crawford (1933-34). He has won 27 consecutive grand slam matches, three shy of the record Laver set in 1969-70. Roger’s last loss was the one to Nadal last year.

Way to go, Roger!

http://rogerfederer.com

Just a comment:

I've watched live on TV the Semifinals match and it's really a tight-hand gripping, breath-taking match I've ever seen. I mean, it's really a tough one! I even thought that Federer will lose against Davydenko..luckily he got back on track and finished the match on 3 sets!

Finals against Nadal will be shown live tomorrow (Sunday) at Solar Sports ch. 35. I'm too excited for it! Watch it live! (.^__^.)

Roland Garros (French Open 2007)

After the Masters Series Cup in Hamburg, Germany, another major event for tennis had started last May 27, 2007 and it's the Roland Garros or popularly known as the French Open 2007. Different tennis players, both men and women, having different nationalities had come together to battle for the same reason: To grab this grand slam title this year from the defending champions Rafael Nadal (Spain) for men and Justine Henin (Belgium) for women.

What is Roland Garros by the way?

Well, let me give you a bit of it's history...

Officially the "Tournoi de Roland-Garros" (the "Roland Garros Tournament" in English), the tournament is often referred to as the French Open. It is named after its stadium, which is in turn named after the World War 1 pilot.

The French Open began as a national tournament in 1891. In 1925, the French Championships opened itself to international competitors with the event held on a grass surface alternatively between the Racing Club de France and the Stade Français.

For the 1928 Davis Cup challenge, a new tennis stadium was built at Porte d’Auteuil.

Named for a hero of World War 1, the new Stade de Roland Garros, and Court Philippe Chatrier, was built with a red clay ("terre battue") playing surface.

Back to present:

During the opening day in Paris, France things haven't turned out smoothly for rains and a cold weather had welcomed the players as well as their spectators...this continued upto the 2nd and 3rd day.

Anyway, by this time everything's okei now! Lucky players who won had advanced to the quarterfinals while others went home and accepted their bitter defeat. Good thing Roger Federer is still hanging on and is continuing his winning streak in clay! Let me share to you some bits about his games! (.^__^.)

May 29, 2007 Round of 128: A CLEAR START

Roger was able to finish his match against Michael Russell (ATP 68) today after play was suspended because of rain yesterday. He wrapped up a straight-sets first-round win over the American: 6-4, 6-2, 6-4.

Resuming second up on a sun-kissed Philippe Chatrier today, Roger - aiming for a first title at Roland Garros - was in just as clinical mood. And he was happy with the way he played in his opening match this year. “I was in a comfortable position going into today, so that was a good situation to be in,” he said.

“I played okay I thought. I served well. I didn't get much chance on his serve, and from the baseline I played well when I had to. So it was a good opening match for me.”

Roger will now face Frenchman Thierry Ascione (ATP 168) in the second round.

May 30, 2007 Round of 64: ROGER CRUISES INTO ROUND 3
Roger celebrated a clear victory over Frenchman Thierry Ascione in the evening of the second round at the French Open today.

He prevailed 6-1, 6-2, 7-6 (10-8) in the day's last game on Suzanne Lenglen court. Our champ broke Ascione (ATP 168) twice in the first set, in the second and fourth games, and twice again early in the second set to establish a firm grip on the contest with just 48 minutes played.

The third set, which lasted more than an hour, was not quite as straightforward for Roger, who was broken when serving at 5-4 up, having squandered two match points in that game.

Our star will play Italy's Potito Starace in the third round.

June 1, 2007: ROGER ROLLS ON round of 32
Roger sprinted through to the last 16 today, polishing off Italy's Potito Starace in only 91 minutes with a 6-2, 6-3, 6-0 rout. "It's hard to judge if I'm getting better because the conditions were really difficult for me in the first two rounds," Roger said.

“I'm happy I haven't lost a set. It came naturally today, especially in the third set. I was playing well, my serve was working well."

Roger will next meet Russia's Mikhail Youzhny, who has not won a match in nine all-time tries against our No. 1, including losses this year at the Australian Open and in the final at Dubai.

"He's an excellent player and he usually plays better against the better players," Roger said of Youzhny.

Of course Roger is also dreaming of the final – against Rafa Nadal.

“That would be a dream of us all, that final,” he commented.

“I’d say it is an advantage that I’ve now defeated him on all surfaces. But the final is still far away.”

June 3, 2007 - Round of 16: STILL TO DROP A SET!
Roger matched John McEnroe's record streak of 11 straight-set wins in Grand Slam matches by beating Mikhail Youzhny 7-6 6-4 6-4 to reach the French Open quarter-finals today.

John McEnroe had set the best mark in the Open era in 1984 from the second round at Wimbledon through to the U.S. Open quarter-finals.

“It was not easy. But I stayed totally calm,” Roger commented and added: “I don’t know why, but the fans here are supporting me in a great way”.

Roger turned on the style after a sluggish start today to extend to 10-0 his perfect record against Russia's Youzhny, seeded 13th here.

"He's dangerous on every surface, he moves well, and I knew I had to be careful. He challenged me at first and I had to stay calm and react, which I did. I'm pleased with my match,” Roger said after the encounter, lasting two hours and 25 minutes.

He next meets Spaniard Tommy Robredo, seeded ninth. Roger clearly leads the head-to-head 7-0. He also beat Robredo on his way to the Australian Open title 2007.

Rafael Nadal will play his next round against Lleyton Hewitt – certainly a match to look forward to – on Monday.

http://rogerfederer.com/

http://sports.yahoo.com/ten

Loves the blue shirt so much! (.^__^.)

Go Roger! =D

Yesterday, June 1 (Friday), is our enrollment day! And still we, Student Assistants, were required to work and assist our batchmates. What's the good part about being a S.A in this: During our enrollment kasi students are required to fall in line and wait for their turn to have a slot for P.E courses, NSTP and to pay for their tuition fees. They also need to wear their complete white uniform and their school I.D. But we S.A's don't need all of these! We just have to go straight ahead (no need to fall in line) and wear our casual clothes ( just bring our S.A. I.D) and we're finished!
At least now I can get the P.E course I've ever wanted. Say good-bye to dancing and say hello to basketball! I got tired of folkdance and social dance last year...I think it's enough already and it's time to make a change. Thank God he allowed me to choose sporty PE subject. I can already feel the UAAP sensation!! I'm excited to grab that basketball and dunk it!
Well, I think I need first to listen to my P.E professor whoever he/she is.
Good thing is that some of my blockmates will also be my PE classmates. Sama-sama na talaga kami para same schedule!
Actually, at first, I really wanted to have tennis, oh I mean Table Tennis for my PE. Pero I've decided to have it on my 2nd semester of this year nalang together with Melanie. I've promised kasi to join them in basketball before so I have to keep my promise. (.^__^.)

Speaking of tennis, may nakita ng venue si Melanie na pwede pagtennisan...kaya lang medyo malayo ako eh...sa SM North Edsa and nde pa siya in terms of membership. It's fine..pero it's better to find some other place. We're not in a hurry but I'm really excited to buy my tennis racquet soon!
Roland Garros (French Open 2007) had already started a week ago in Paris, France. Of course, Roger Federer had joined that competition. Luckily, I'm able to watch some of his games at Solar Sports pero yung iba lang talaga..ang dami kasing players na kasali doon so marami ring games yung kinocover nila...I love to keep an update here in my blog about Federer's game. Hmmmm..maybe tomorrow!

June 13 is fast approaching and classes will start again. Oohhh..I'm gonna miss this summer! I'm back again to studies and the sad truth is that my schedule will start at 7:00am! I'm not a morning person..it's hard for me to wake up that early...5:00am?! I'll just pray that my angel will wake me up so that I won't be late on my first class. What's my first class nga ba?? hmmmm... LITERATURE... oh no! I hope that class will not be boring.

Cge, till here nalang. I still have to study my new class schedule and try to watch some tennis games! (.^__^.)