Pity! The rain stopped a remarkable match. The Roland Garros organisation is due to have a retractable roof by 2012.. but that is a bit too late.
Besides the drizzling and the various interruptions, the entire game was also conditioned by a huge problem that is haunting Nole especially during the last few games: a very slow start at the beginning of every match and also in between sets.
Rafa and Nole were playing a marvellous match. Nadal started in great style breaking Nole twice in the early games to get an early 3-0 lead. Then the Spaniard had to cope with a typical Djoker comeback (3-3). Then it was Rafa to hold service and to break again Nole to finally win the opener 6-4.
The second set followed the typical Nole’s script: early break and 2-0 for Rafa and break back from Nole to draw 2-2. Then 3-3 and, after a rain interruption, the set ended 6-3 for Rafa.
Third set same story. Early break and Rafa leading 2-0. Then …. the impossible happened: Nole won 8 consecutive games to grab the 3rd set 6-2 and lead 2-0 in the 4th. Then time for Rafa to hold a service game (after he lost 4 in succession!) and take a very long break. The match will resume Monday 1pm.
What a ride! Can wait for the next episode!
