[spacecrafty]

Is there a clause somewhere that says if you are a Federer fan, you must hate Rafa, and if you're a Rafa fan, you must hate Federer? Because I'm just not seeing it. I like both, partial to TMF, but I can't hate Rafa, even though at this point, he is a better player.

I like 'em both! I do always root for the underdog, though, so I never mind seeing one of them lose.

[xtrudood]

Soderling is....a very dislikable character, indeed. I don't know, his antics during that Wimbledon match were kinda hilarious and kinda out of line. You just don't do that stuff...Maybe in Paris, but not London.

(Speaking of which, just me or has Roland Garros seen some of the most hilarious stuff on the tennis court? Safin dropping his pants, Gonzo erasing the clay mark with his bum, Monfils' Soulja Boy dance, etc?)

[masteryxisman]

I think Roger should win this, but then every one will start again at the GOAT and all and I understand Drop-shot, it really gets annoying. Soderling had a great run and if he manages to win tomorrow, it will really be a fantastic achievement. Which would be best ? I don't know and don't really care.

I understand elisat. I've felt for a few years that RG is Rafa's place. It's just his. He earned it, and not seeing him on this great final day just hurts. Someone is missing. I wish he didn't lose, but you cannot re-do what has been done.

In the same way, I feal totally cheated because Ritchie is not here and probably won't play wimby either and it just feals so empty without him. Each time I look at the draw, I feal it. It makes me so sad.
:triste:

[slarceSelia]

I understand elisat. I've felt for a few years that RG is Rafa's place. It's just his. He earned it, and not seeing him on this great final day just hurts. Someone is missing. I wish he didn't lose, but you cannot re-do what has been done.

Surely you didn't think he would last his entire career without a defeat here??? This particular loss was a huge surprise, but it had to happen sooner or later, no? Now folks won't be as afraid to play him on clay and that can't be bad for the game.

And by the way Wimbledon was Roger's place - that didn't last forever either...

[icedrakona]

Go Roger!!!

History is there for your taking.

[Laqswrnm]

I wonder how many tennis fans in Spain prefer Roger over Rafa.

I'm not in Spain but I am from Spain and it's very very even for me - I started *really* watching tennis because of Roger, but in most Roger/Rafa battles I usually go for Rafa because I can never root against him (although I find it painful not to root for Roger as well)!

I admit that I prefer to watch Roger play, and sometimes even find it boring watching Rafa.

[Penisvergroesserung]

oMG....It's here. The moment we've all been waiting for since the FO began. I'm staying OFF the board. I'm NOT WATCHING any of it. I'm NOT going to look at LIVESCORES! I am going NO WHERE NEAR the TAThering...I'm NOT listening to the NEWS or turning ON THE TV.

After Dinara's disasterous results today...I just don't have the heart.

AND I'M STAYING AWAY FROM ROGER / ROBIN WHO YA GOT?

I been screwed enough by Dinara. Aw hell who am I kidding? She screwed herself out of a slam

..but those who have suffered understand suffering.

[anderriter]

Bizarre....before this tournament, you'd have thought Soderling would say his favorite surface was fast indoor court.

Underdog prays for rain against Federer

Robin Soderling will be praying for rain when he faces Roger Federer for the French Open title on Sunday.

The Swede, playing in his first Grand Slam final after a sensational run through the Roland Garros tournament which has seen him defeat four-time champion Rafael Nadal, is the underdog against the 13-time major winner.

But the 24-year-old believes that playing free of pressure, as well as under the dark, chilly skies which descended upon Paris on Saturday, could work in his favour.

"Normally I like to play in slower conditions. I think I've played my best claycourt matches when it's been a little bit colder and a little bit rainy. Hopefully it will be good for me," said the 23rd seed.

Soderling insists the pressure is all on Federer, the sentimental favourite to finally win a French Open and complete a career Grand Slam.

"I don't feel much pressure at all," said the Swede. "Of course I want to win, but I always want to win tennis matches.

"I try to see it as a normal match. I have played so many matches on the tour so I try to see it just like any other match." http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/bre...0607-bzfl.html

[v74ClzKY]

I'm not in Spain but I am from Spain and it's very very even for me - I started *really* watching tennis because of Roger, but in most Roger/Rafa battles I usually go for Rafa because I can never root against him (although I find it painful not to root for Roger as well)!

I admit that I prefer to watch Roger play, and sometimes even find it boring watching Rafa.

Bring it home Roger!!!!!!!!! And I agree. Rafa seems like a great guy and he's earned the number 1. But Federer's game is far more stylish and nicer to watch in my opinion.

[xtrudood]

Surely you didn't think he would last his entire career without a defeat here??? This particular loss was a huge surprise, but it had to happen sooner or later, no? Now folks won't be as afraid to play him on clay and that can't be bad for the game.

And by the way Wimbledon was Roger's place - that didn't last forever either...

Yeah, but TMF lost to Rafa in one of the most epic finals in Wimbledon history. Rafa got outhit and unceremoniously bundled out in the 4th round by one of the most annoying characters on the ATP tour. It almost feels like he, and all of us, were cheated out of something.