You have to feel for the fans attending Masters Series Rome on Saturday; two premiere semifinal matches both ending with players retiring (Stepanek against Djokovic, and Roddick throwing in the towel against Warwinka due to a back injury). The most interesting of the two matches was Novak and Radek's; considering the unseeded Stepanek just beat Roger Federer the round before. Understandably, heat exhaustion occurs, but it seems a little odd that you can take down Fed, and then not finish a match, or win a game against Novak? What that match also proves is that Djokovic is peaking at the right time on clay, and slowly but surely creeping onto my "favorites list" at Roland Garros. The Serbian's game isn't ideal for clay, considering he hits a flatter ball on the backhand and doesn't slide very well into shots (which is a must on clay), however, it appears that he's finding his groove on the surface, and could be booming with confidence if he can take down Stanislas for the Rome title. Unfortunately for American tennis fans, Andy Roddick won't be in good shape for the French Open, his back injury could put a dagger in his quest to win in France. This is the worst news of the year for Roddick....without a healthy back, serving is impossible, without serving, Roddick winning is impossible - so cross your fingers for Andy. Here's the rundown:
Singles – Semifinals
[3] N Djokovic (SRA) d R Stepanek (CZE) 60 10 ret. (heat exhaustion)
S Wawrinka (SUI) d [6] A Roddick (USA) 30 ret. (back)
Doubles – Semifinals
[1] B Bryan (USA) / M Bryan (USA) d [7] J Bjorkman (SWE) / K Ullyett (ZIM) 62 61
[2] D Nestor (CAN) / N Zimonjic (SRB) d R Gasquet (FRA) / F Santoro (FRA) 63 36 10-8
ORDER OF PLAY – SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2008
STADIO PIETRANGELI start 2:45 pm
[3] N Djokovic (SRB) vs S Wawrinka (SUI)
[1] B Bryan (USA) / M Bryan (USA) vs [2] D Nestor (CAN) / N Zimonjic (SRB)
In the grand scheme of things Roddick will be ready for Wimbledon that is all that matters. The French Open is peanuts next to the prestige of Wimbledon.