Can Rafa Make It 9? – By: Kristen’s Kourt

Written by: Staff on 9th June 2013

Can Rafa Make It 9? - By: Kristen's Kourt |

Everyone knows the chances of David Ferrer beating Rafael Nadal in the French Open men’s final tomorrow are slim to none. Actually, there is no chance. Might as well hand Rafa the trophy now and save both players from another physically draining match. Let them save their energy and give them ample time to prepare for the grass court season. Either way, the end result will be the same. Come Sunday’s end, Nadal will be the one we call champion and his compatriot will be the one with the obligatory congratulations smile holding the runner-up (or as some call it, “consolation”) prize.

Let’s be honest. With the exception of a slight hiccup in his first two rounds, Rafael Nadal has looked as good as ever in his bid toward a ninth straight French Open title. His win over Novak Djokovic in the semifinals was one of sheer ingenuity. His overall record against Djokovic isn’t great, but his record against him in Paris is flawless. There’s no reason to believe that he won’t continue such a stellar performance. David Ferrer is making his first ever grand slam finals appearance – and what an opponent he’ll face. Though he posted an impressive win against hometown favorite Jo Wilfried Tsonga in the semifinals, he won’t be able to compete with Nadal. Ok, he’ll be able to compete but he certainly won’t be the favorite to win, nor will he likely take the match beyond three sets. He has experience in playing Nadal, and he knows his game well. But even those advantages won’t help him win his first major title. Rafael Nadal will be your 2013 French Open champion.

On the women’s side, Serena Williams beat Maria Sharapova in the women’s final 6-4, 6-4 to win her first French Open title in 11 years. It was the only major that the American hadn’t won more than once and this second title was sure a journey to get there. Fighting through numerous injuries and setbacks, Williams has shown that she’s not going anywhere any time soon. And defending champ Maria Sharapova just couldn’t answer the brilliance that was thrown her way. It was almost as if the title was destined to go to the American from the very beginning.

Follow Kristen on Twitter! @KristensKourt