Roger Federer's Chance for French Open Title

In a few hours, Roger Federer will be battling for the French Open title against Robin Soderling. Federer has so far been deprived of the title by Rafael Nadal the last three years running.

With Nadal unexpectedly ousted by Soderling, Federer now has a golden opportunity to capture the title. Soderling has lost every game he has played against Federer, so really all expectations are that Federer will achieve the title. But then Soderling did beat Nadal and went on to win against Fernanado Gonzalez, though it was a hard fought match.

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There is a lot of anticiptation for this final, and there are many well-wishers for Federer. Many feel he is morally entitled, if there is such a thing, to a win in the French Open, and are fearful that another chance may not available.

Nadal Finally Gives Federer a Chance at the French Open

I have had to take a few days to recover from the shock of Rafael Nadal's defeat at the hands of giant-slayer Robin Soderling of Sweden. I guess no-one can stay on top all the time. But what a pity to give way at the French Open, one of the most important tournaments.

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Nadal is a four-time champion, and following his recent continued successes, and he was expected by many to notch up another victory at the French Open. Nadal took it in good stead, saying that he had to accept defeat as well as victories with calm.

Federer has been in pretty good form and fighting hard. He had a win over Tommy Hass, fighting back from two sets down, to be amongst the last eight. Now that Nadal is out of the way, perhaps he will fight all the more harder to get to the finish-line.

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French Open: Nadal, Sharapova and Safina Reach Third Round

The unstoppable Rafael Nadal beat Gabashvili of Russia in straight sets 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 to reach the third round. In doing so, Nadal has set a new record - this was his 30th consecutive win at Roland Garros. Nadal is becoming a legend in his own life-time.

Maria Sharapova beat 11th-seeded Nadia Petrova 6-2, 1-6, 8-6 to reach the third round. This is her first Grand Slam tournament since Wimbledon last year. She had been nursing a shoulder injury since August and is now ranked no. 102.





Dinara Safina, meanwhile, won also in straight sets 6-1, 6-1 over 18-year-old Russian Vitalia Diatchenko.

Maria Sharapova Ousted from French Open

Maria Sharapova gave us some scares and now she has stopped our hearts dead. She exits the French Open, defeated by her fellow Russian Dinara Safina 6-7(8-6), 7-6(7-5), 6-2.

She had a real chance in the second set, but Safina managed to save a match point at 5-3, and she never turned back. Sharapova seemed to be screeching with every shot in desperation but to no avail.

The crowds were not pleased with Sharapova's disappointing performance. She was booed and whistled at as she left the court. What an inglorious exit.

Maria, Maria, what have you done?

Maria Sharapova - 17 Double Faults | French Open

The scores were 6-1, 3-6, 8-6. They tell how close to defeat Maria Sharapova was in her match against Evgenigya Rodina. Not only did she commit 17 double faults, she also made 68 unforced errors.

In the final set, Rodina managed three break points at 4-3. But in the end Sharapova pulled through.

Wonderful Sharapova. Let's hope she doesn't give us more scares.

Grand Slam Time Again - the French Open at Roland Garros

Today is the start of the French Open.

Rafael Nadal has held the men's title 3 times, and has never lost a match at Roland Garros. The tennis world looks to him for a fourth win. Roger Federer is still a threat, but his performance has been disappointing of late.

Novak Djokovic, Australian Open winner, is another creditable rival. He will play his first game today, against Denis Gremelmary. No prizes for guessing who's the favourite to win.

On top of the women's rankings is Maria Sharapova. If she wins, she will have secured all the Grand Slam titles.

But the field is not clear - Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic and Serena Williams are all in the running.