They say Robin’s most improved shot is his mind.  But really, the all time champ is Rafa.  Robin Soderling came out with a strategy to just pummel Rafa into the ground.  It’s a strategy that Almagro has used.  It’s a strategy Verdasco has used.  But Rafa plays such amazing defense.  With any other pro, this hard hitting would likely pressure his opponents into errors.  Rafa simply makes you play a ton of shots.

Rafa weather the storm for about a set and a half.  Robin had chances to break in the first set, but couldn’t make it.  He continued to play well in the second set, and had chances to get a 2-0 lead.  But when Rafa held that serve, he seemed to break Robin’s spirit.  Rafa broke, and then broke a second time.

Early on, he was content to send high loopers forcing Soderling to hit a ton of shots.  Rafa just gets ball after ball back and does it even against amazing pace.

In the third set, Soderling look defeated.  Once Rafa got his break, Rafa didn’t try that hard to break again, and just kept holding serve.  Rafa held his final serve at love.

Amazing tournament for Rafa.  He didn’t drop a set.  He didn’t face set point.  His closest call was a tiebreak against Jurgen Melzer.  Probably no one would have expected that.

Rafa played his best tennis.  Soderling might have had a chance, but to play power tennis that long is impressive.  He was hoping Rafa would wilt, but Rafa kept playing amazing defense, and wouldn’t get rattled.

Rafa’s fifth French: 6-4, 6-2, 6-4

One more to tie Bjorn Borg’s Open record!

And now on to Wimbledon.