Regular visitors to this photo blog will have noticed that I do the occasional eulogy on the young tennis master from Manacor (Mallorca), Rafa Nadal.
Today it will be no eulogy but more of a commiseration, I am afraid. Just four days before Rafa Nadal’s 23rd birthday, the Grand Slam tennis tournament of Roland Garros in Paris (France) was meant to bring another win and another record for the Number One in the tennis rankings, but his opponent, Robin Söderling, had different plans yesterday. Mr. Söderling from Tibro (Sweden) with an ATP ranking of 25 managed one of the biggest upsets in male Grand Slam tennis history by beating Rafael Nadal in four sets (6:2, 6:7, 6:4, 7:6) in the fourth round of the French Open at Roland Garros. It was all over after 210 minutes for Rafa’s dream of a fifth consecutive French Open title. Yesterday’s was the first defeat ever for Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros since his debut there in 2005. Rafa Nadal will not eat his birthday cake in Paris this year, I guess.
Oh well, it had to happen one day at some stage I suppose.
Rafa Nadal found these words after his surprise exit: “This is not a tragedy. I had to lose one day. I must accept my defeats with the same level of calm that I accept my victories.” Wise words.
My photo was taken a few months ago at a newsagent’s in Manacor where Rafa Nadal regularly uses the facilities to have his photograph taken.
The photo was taken in Manacor, Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: December 2nd, 2008. The time was 18:01:18.
The Mallorca Photo Blog 
All good things must come to an end but who is to know if next year will start another 4 year winning streak at the French Open
http://www.fredjsmilek.com
I agree with fredsmilek, good things one day come to an end, and Rafa is not perfect. I think that he is losing some skills, or maybe it is related with his parent’s separation, I don’t know.
I have heard that Rafa said few days ago that he is prepeared to win, that he was working hard to win and that he can and is going to win. I’m sorry Rafa but from the other side of the TV I see it’s very difficult, Roger Federer is doing an incredible ATP ranking this year, and if you are not worried about Roger, look up for Novak or Andy Murray, you see, lot of great tennis players.