Rafa and Novak Cruising in Paris

Just 2 rounds in and the 2012 edition of France's contribution to the Grand Slam has provided little indication of a final four much different from last year.  Nadal is luxuriating in the red clay which he prays Madrid may use in future instead of the blue variety that he and others abhor.  This year Rafa has actually managed to defeat Djokovic in 2 Masters event finals, both on clay, something he failed to achieve in 2011.  His favouritism is more than warranted to take home French Open number 7, and the ruthless nature of his first 2 wins here has merely underscored the practise match status of week one for the amazing left-hander.

Novak this year is free of the "when will he lose his first match of the season?" tag which he carried throughout Roland Garros 12 months ago, until Federer answered "Now" in the epic semi final.  Still playing at the top of his game, the world number one, with a recent clay court victory over the Swiss legend should have an opportunity of reversing the 2011 semi final result, and reaching his first Roland Garros final.

Highlights from the Mens Singles Draw over the first few days included another lengthy 5 setter between American John Isner and a French player.  This time it wasn't Nicolas Mahut, and it wasn't on grass, but the match went to 34 games in the decider, before Paul-Henri Mathieu upset the tenth seed in a memorable comeback from a career threatening injury.  This was one for the fans but more for the spirit of the game.  Mathieu is ranked 275 but once was near the top ten.

Interesting to reflect on 3 players who are greats of the game and true contemporaries.  Andy Roddick failed to pass the first round which is not as shocking given the surface, but these days the American tends to lose early in many of the tournaments he enters.  At least he has had the capacity to play tennis, something that Australia's Lleyton Hewitt cannot equally claim.  Finally free from his troubling foot, the 2 time major winner - his last being 10 years ago - grabbed a wild card for this event, and although losing the first round match showed that he could match it with many come the grass court tournaments.

Roger Federer started around the same time as Andy and Lleyton yet his fortunes still flourish - he is still in the top 3 players in the world and way beyond the rest.  The only thing Roger has lacked in the last couple of years is a Grand Slam title,  and he is in the sort of form that doesn't necessarily rule out number 17 from occurring this year.  Maybe Wimbledon.