Super Bowl Update

Ladies and Gentlemen, Our Hero, Rafael Nadal, has begun his quest for a record seventh French Open title this week. He looks to be in great physical and mental shape and he is he favorite coming in to the tournament. Being the favorite doesn't always mean much. Serena was the favorite on the women's side and she sadly was bounced in the first round. Shocking! This year Rafa is back wearing a pink shirt and pink shoelaces as part of his ensemble. The last time he wore pink here was the only year he lost. The superstitious fool in me is wondering what the superstitious fool in him is thinking. Maybe he truly doesn't care, but it makes me NERVOUS.

Luckily his first round match did not prove a horrible challenge for him. He took out Simone Bolelli of Italy 6-2, 6-2, 6-1. Rafa raced out to a 6-2, 4-0 lead and then suddenly lost a little focus. It can happen when playing a long match, especially when your opponent is not really threatening you. Bolelli broke Rafa during that lapse and them held serve. Then he had 4 break point chances to bring it to 4-3 on Rafa's next service game, Bolelli couldn't convert them though, and Rafa held. Then Nadal just ran away with the rest of it. One match down, six to go until he is Champion once more!

Next up he gets Denis Istomin from Uzbekistan. Shouldn't present a big challenge, but I'm sure Rafa will take nothing for granted. As the saying goes, you can't win a Grand Slam in the first week, but you can definitely lose it. I believe Rafa will persevere! VAMOS!