Rafa got all he could handle from unranked John Isner. The American held a two sets to one lead over the top-ranked Spaniard before bowing out in the decisive fifth set. Isner is used to long matches. In fact, he won the longest match in tennis history last year when he outlasted Nicolas Mahut over the course of three days and 11 hours. So, this isn't to say that Nadal lost to a chump. Isner has been ranked as high as 18th (last year), but he has struggled mightily this year and shouldn't have been any match for Nadal.
The chinks in Rafa's armor have started to show. His shield of invinciblity is no longer there, which could take away Nadal's intimidation factor down the road. Rafa hasn't exactly been an image of health lately and he hasn't won a major since last year's French Open. Roland Garros is a grueling two week tourney and that will definitely take it's toll on the seven-time major winner. So who steps up and takes the championship? My pick is the hottest tennis player on the planet, Novak Djokovic. The world's #2 has been the best of the best this year. In fact, Djokovic has yet to lose in 2011. His 38-0 record this year is 4 wins shy of the top mark of all-time to start a year (set by John McEnroe in 1984). He also just beat Nadal on clay in Italy earlier this month. Not only can he reset that record, he can also take over the #1 spot. Not bad for two weeks of work.
by Andy Adamson
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