Monday, January 16, 2012

Aussie Open 2012: Rafa Round 1

(Rafa's back in action!)

Well, here we are barely two weeks into the new year and already the tennis season is back in full swing with the first of the Grand Slam events underway. I swear, it's like the season never ends. It's just the years that keep changing.

Anyway, Rafa here is seeded No. 2. His quarter is not so bad. He is in the same half as Federer so they could meet in the semis. Novak's quarter in the top half seems like a more difficult road, but if he makes to the semis you'd have to favor him over pretty much anybody on that side, especially Murray. We'll see! Should prove an interesting tournament these next two weeks.

First things first; First round! Rafa won pretty handily against American Alex Kuznetsov 6-4, 6-1, 6-1. What could prove troublesome is some right knee pain that Rafa experience after a tendon tightened on him in a strange way while he was lounging in a chair in his hotel room the night before last. Hopefully he continues to feel better and can get treatment during his day off before facing Tommy Haas from Germany in the second round. None of the prognosticators are really picking Rafa to win the tournament or even make it very far, given his nagging injuries and mental vulnerability of late, but I'm sticking with him for sure! Don't call it a comeback! Vamos!

No comments: