Chak de Nadal…
…says a banner held up by one of the spectators during this fantastic semi-final between Rafa and Carlos Moya at the Chennai Open. 6-7, 7-6, 7-6, a three-set match that lasted nearly four hours (the longest three-setter since 1993), and consistently high-quality tennis by all accounts. (I missed most of it, will try to catch the repeat.) Some quick highlights on YouTube here, as well as footage of Nadal using a cricket bat to hit tennis balls into the crowd. And a meeting of giants - good old Charu Sharma (about whom more in this old post) interviews Rafa and asks him penetrating questions like “So, did you expect to get broken early in the third set?” (Video)
Update: Rafa almost got double-bagelled by Youzhny in the final. Clearly Charu’s fault.
on Saturday, January 5th, 2008, 11:13 pm in Sports › 
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Nadal is the hardest working man in tennis. Have you heard of the body pillow? Nadal needs a body towel on court… he wipes every point… including that gigarmous derriere. I guess he can afford the TP bill. In addition to Youzhny, I’ll make a wager with anyone that before June the following guys will give Rafa a spanking:
1. Roger “The King” Federer
2. David “Backhand Smack” Nalbandian
3. David “The Troll” Ferrer
4. Novak “Shoulder Rotation” Dojkavic
TMF (The Mighty Federer) will continue to be at the short end versus Nadal… that Southpaw forehand wears him down.
One question for Nadal, “Where’s the flood, dude?”
Did UB cover Somdev Dev Varman’s historic win in the NCAAs? He’s the 1st SA to win the singles crown.
Mahesh Bhupathi won the NCAA doubles a few years back. Somdev is the real Tamil Tiger… rippling muscles and all :)
“Yes Charu. Exactly at that precise moment in the third set. How you knew?” *picks butt*