Here's Hopin' For The Open: Rafa in Round One

(Look who's happy now?)

Congrats to my main man, Rafael Nadal, for a strong and convincing win in his 1st round match at the US Open. It was a tough match thanks to great play by his opponent, Teymuraz Gabashvili from Russia. Sill Rafa won in straight sets - 7-6, 7-6, 6-3.

At this year's Open, Rafa is bidding to become only the seventh player in history to complete the career Grand Slam. If he does so, he'd be the youngest man in tennis history to achieve such an incredible task. He'd also have a 9th Grand Slam title, and have won three of four slams for the year which is pretty amazing. It's not gonna be easy, but it's obvious Rafa really wants it. He's in the best physical health he's ever been this late in the season. He's had a so-so American hardcourt run this summer, but seeing him play tonight, I gotta like his chances to at least make the semis again this year.

Rafa's also outfitted this year in black and florescent yellow. His shirt looks a little armor-plated. His fashion sense is always a little out there, but this one seems more normal than other looks he's had in the past. I have tickets to the Open on Monday, and I really hope Rafa is playing in the night session. That would be AMAZING. Vamos, Rafa!