Sunday, March 18, 2012

Rafa in 2012 Indian Wells, Finals (Yes, FINALS!)

(Champs!)

Okay, so it's true that Rafa didn't play in or win the singles final, but he did play in AND win the doubles final! Our Hero, and his partner marc Lopez, reclaimed the BNP Paribas Open doubles title with a solid 6-2, 7-6(3) win over Americans John Isner and Sam Querrey earlier today.

It was a bummer for Isner who also lost the singles title even earlier today to Roger Federer. Fed is playing exceptionally well right now. Please, sportswriters. Stop telling him he is old at 30. He's not. He's younger than me. And probably you. And he's an elite champion and a winner. So stop the nonsense.

 I am very happy that Rafa gets to end the tournament as a winner - even it's doubles and not singles. It sucks that it comes at a double loss for Isner, who was attempting to become the first man since Jimmy Connors in 1991 to win both the singles and doubles titles at Indian Wells. Instead, he lost both in the same day! Has that ever happened before? That's an unfortunate distinction to hold. But let's recall that Isner played the longest match ever and he won that one too, so he's got some great records to his name and a really bright future for this season with a win over the extremely dominant Novak Djokovic.

If it feels like the Miami tournament starts immediately, that's because it does. Opening round action is tomorrow! Who will win that one? It seems like there are more names in the mix than there were at the start of Indian Wells. I hope Rafa can make it to the final there and bite into that champion's trophy. Vamos!!

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