Gutted. Downtrodden. Run over. Dispirited. Forlorn. Lost.
These are the some of the words to describe how I feel about Novak Djokovic's straight-set pummelling of Rafael Nadal to dethrone the King of Clay.
The Djoker played like the best player in the world (that he is), and come Sunday, if he lifts the Coupe des Mousquetaires, he will have truly deserved it. Even as a Rafa fan, you ought to submit that Nole deserves to sink his teeth into the trophy that has eluded him for so long.
On any other occasion, I would have used the phrase - "Take nothing away from his victory", but tonight, Novak faced a man who looked beaten even before he stepped foot on the red dirt of Phillippe Chatrier. Nadal's demeanour coming into the tournament was jittery, and the nerves were palpable on his face and in his play, as he went down 0-4 in the first set before the heavens smiled, as he levelled the match by taking the next 4.
The hurrah was short-lived. Djokovic has been unplayable and even the 9-time Emperor at Roland Garros had to take his hat off for the World No. 1.
Once the first set was won, one would have expected the Spanish bull to charge forward and reclaim his territory. But somewhere deep in our heart of hearts, we knew that Nadal's time was up: his legendary comebacks - which helped cement his French Empire - were now woefully buried in the annals of tennis history.
His breath sagging, a crestfallen Rafa experienced déjà vu in the third and final set, trailing 0-4 to a Djokovic masterclass. But this time, the match had reach it's point of no return, and Nadal, his nadir.
Djokovic would finally etch his name alongside Robin Soderling as one of only two men to best the King of Clay at the French Open. Last year, and the one before, Nadal barely escaped by the skin of his teeth against Novak. But the writing was on the wall - It was only a matter of time. Defeat was inevitable. He's a mere mortal, after all.
This phenomenal statistic (70-2) defines the French Open, and stands to testimony to the greatness and resolve of two of the greatest players of all time (and a third not so great player).
Where does Nadal go from here? Let's not treat this as the end of Nadal; it's not all gone Pete Tong for Rafa.
It is time for a new beginning, a new game plan, and possibly a new coach (Uncle Toni needs to go). Though 29 isn't exactly the best age to reinvent one's game; Nadal must use this time to introspect, to take corrective action (possibly get married), and to find a way to return to his imperious all-round game; if he is to match or surpass Federer's record 17 slams at all. His unceremonious exit from Roland Garros could be prove to be the defining moment - the loss he so desperately needed. Probably not such a bad birthday gift after all.
The age of Djokovic was never under any serious threat; it is here to stay. But let's not forget what happened to Soderling in 2009: the curse of the French.
These are the some of the words to describe how I feel about Novak Djokovic's straight-set pummelling of Rafael Nadal to dethrone the King of Clay.
The Djoker played like the best player in the world (that he is), and come Sunday, if he lifts the Coupe des Mousquetaires, he will have truly deserved it. Even as a Rafa fan, you ought to submit that Nole deserves to sink his teeth into the trophy that has eluded him for so long.
On any other occasion, I would have used the phrase - "Take nothing away from his victory", but tonight, Novak faced a man who looked beaten even before he stepped foot on the red dirt of Phillippe Chatrier. Nadal's demeanour coming into the tournament was jittery, and the nerves were palpable on his face and in his play, as he went down 0-4 in the first set before the heavens smiled, as he levelled the match by taking the next 4.
The hurrah was short-lived. Djokovic has been unplayable and even the 9-time Emperor at Roland Garros had to take his hat off for the World No. 1.
Once the first set was won, one would have expected the Spanish bull to charge forward and reclaim his territory. But somewhere deep in our heart of hearts, we knew that Nadal's time was up: his legendary comebacks - which helped cement his French Empire - were now woefully buried in the annals of tennis history.
His breath sagging, a crestfallen Rafa experienced déjà vu in the third and final set, trailing 0-4 to a Djokovic masterclass. But this time, the match had reach it's point of no return, and Nadal, his nadir.
Djokovic would finally etch his name alongside Robin Soderling as one of only two men to best the King of Clay at the French Open. Last year, and the one before, Nadal barely escaped by the skin of his teeth against Novak. But the writing was on the wall - It was only a matter of time. Defeat was inevitable. He's a mere mortal, after all.
This phenomenal statistic (70-2) defines the French Open, and stands to testimony to the greatness and resolve of two of the greatest players of all time (and a third not so great player).
Where does Nadal go from here? Let's not treat this as the end of Nadal; it's not all gone Pete Tong for Rafa.
It is time for a new beginning, a new game plan, and possibly a new coach (Uncle Toni needs to go). Though 29 isn't exactly the best age to reinvent one's game; Nadal must use this time to introspect, to take corrective action (possibly get married), and to find a way to return to his imperious all-round game; if he is to match or surpass Federer's record 17 slams at all. His unceremonious exit from Roland Garros could be prove to be the defining moment - the loss he so desperately needed. Probably not such a bad birthday gift after all.
The age of Djokovic was never under any serious threat; it is here to stay. But let's not forget what happened to Soderling in 2009: the curse of the French.
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