Clearly this win boosts Rafa’s historical standing at a time when he looked vulnerable. His finish to 2008 left me wondering what his legs had left and how much strain his body has absorbed at such a young age. I did not think Rafa’s clay court game was in danger at the end of 2008, but I also did not expect him to win a hard court major coming off of an injury plagued end to last season. No one can pencil someone in to win the French Open, injuries, illness, banana choking and a potentially zoned opponent could always stop Rafa’s quest for a 5th straight French Open, but one has to think Nadal is going to enter Wimbledon half way to a calendar year Grand Slam.

Obviously, yes is the answer to my own question.

Rafael Nadal is the new king of tennis, simple as that.

Sean Randall breaks down the upcoming 19th career meeting between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal which comes in the Australian Open final, their first career hardcourt meeting in a major.

“I’ve been playing better throughout the weeks,” Serena told reporters regarding her form in Melbourne. “I think doubles was really able to help me out. And also I went out and hit a few balls this morning. I had a really good practice. Watching some of the men’s tennis, they were playing really well. I was really inspired like that. Especially last night’s [Nadal-Verdasco semifinal] match. It was just crazy.”

Serving at 4-5 in the fifth and past the five-hour mark, Verdasco was undone by nerves. Verdasco double faulted to give Nadal a 40-0 lead, then two points later double faulted on match point.

Roger Federer faces Andy Roddick once again on a big stage. Will the outcome be any different than it’s been in the past?

Novak Djokovic did the unthinkable, retiring again in a crucial match against a Top 10 player.

Novak Djokovic and Andy Roddick are set to square off in an intriguing quarterfinal at the Australian Open on Tuesday.

Who are the players to beat as week two begins at the Australian Open? Sean Randall breakdown down the men’s Sweet 16.

Two rounds down and five to go at the Australian Open. Sean Randall breaks down what ahead in the season’s first Grand Slam.