Djokovic was able to push Rafa a bit more than Roger could even try. Maybe Djokovic will be a worthy contender for Rafa in the future. During the days of domination of Federer it was unimaginable for him to lose, and all the journalists drummed it up, but he is more vulnerable now. These are Rafas days , if he doesnt retire at his peak, a day will come where we look back at these glorious days as a homage to his wonderful career that is now on a downhill signified by a loss at RG in the hands of new kid on the block , whoever that may be.

can't express in English (I'm russian-speaking) HOW good Rafael is. Strong. Both physically and mentally especially

I can't help but be amused over the raging debate over whether Djokovic pushed Nadal "harder" than Federer. It was still a straight set loss, and it was almost a drubbing as well. Had Nadal not messed up that game in the third for 4-0, it was headed toward a bagel.

INNA - Strong is the EXACT right word to describe Nadal. That's what he is. And yes, especially mentally. I don't know how many of you have seen him play live, but the level of concentration he exhibits from the first point to the last is exhausting to watch. I don't know how he does it.

It is a breath of fresh air for someone else besides Federer to get the glory. It gets boring if one persons dominates the Grand Slams the way Federer does (except Rolland Garros). i am a fan of Rafa because he is so humble. I'm waiting for the day he beats Federer on another surface other than clay as I can still remember an interview where Federer said he loved watching this young players rising and trying to beat him (meaning Rafa and Novak) and it gave him such pleasure to "beat these younger players". another time, a journalist asked him something about his skills, and he very arrogantly said, "well, that's why I am the world's No. 1". I have disliked him since. you'll NEVER catch Rafa or Novak speaking like this. I would like these two to beat Federer at Wimbledon.

Nadal was at his best in this year's french open! He's got the more difficult draw, the most dangerous opponents... and like a hurricane, he swept them all on the red dirt. His run in Paris so impressive that his opponents just took a single game on average in the 3rd set.
So far his performance on grass is impressive considering he just had a few days of rest for the transition!
As Borg said he'll win Wimbledon sooner rather than later.

Federer can play tennis, and boy does it do well. Federer is the King when it comes to tennis, no one can compare to him. He is just the best. He is focused, he has timing, he is a gentleman. Nadal is too arrogant, not humble at all. Djokovic is the next Federer. Go Novak, go Novak, go boy!

Genevieve1950 - it?s totally ludicrous. To support your favourite (and number 3?) you offend the another great player and tell a lie. It displeases.. It's a bad form.

genevieve1950- i will advice that u listen to the interviews of players when matches are over. As far i am concern Nadal is the most cautious tennis player. Just hear him talk about other players. Nadal comes on the court with an intensity which business like, not arrogance.

genevieve 1950... do I smell sour grapes?!
be objective... don't be blinded by your emotions!

I reirterate the others, genevieve1950 should listen to pre- and post-match interviews and you'll realise - if you're honest - that Federer has an underlying arrgance which he tries to hide. He said in January 2005 that "it's going to take a very good player to beat me" before the Oz Open, so I was over the moon when Safin knocked him out! Whilst that might have been true, it shows a lack of respect for other players' qualities and hardwork. Nadal, though younger, is more matured, humble and self-aware. And Federer is not the best (yet) and many others can indeed be compared to him. While Federer has re-written many records, there are few more he hasn't broken or equalled so let's wait to see if he can overcome his remaining weaknesses before we make proclamations that he's the best. There have been great players before him and let's not forget their achievements either. It doesn't mean he's not a great player but it does mean he isn't necessarily the all-time greatest as well at this point..

genevieve1950:
I think you get the first name mixed up. Arrogance=Djoker, Humble=Nadal. go ask 100 fans,99 but 1 (I guess that one is YOU) will give you the above answers.
Congrats Rafa of this first green trophy at Artois. If all went well as planned, I will congrats you once more in 2 weeks at Wimbly.
Keep up your good work! Thanks for all those amazing shots. All your fans support you all the way.
VAMOS RAFA!!!!

I agree with tenstar about Federer's underlying arrogance. I have the most respect for his game and his talent but when a player big-noses himself, no matter how subtly, it takes away from their achievements. I also notices that there is a steely ruthlessness on his face when he plays (the media calls it clinical) which smacks of meanness. He gives the impression of being a gentleman but there is a lot more going on underneath him than meets the eye. I don't think Rafa has that side to him. Novak has a little bit of that but that could come from his background, the fact that being serbian, he's able to break through an elitist sport to come up as No 3, that's no small achievement, and it's almost like he revels in that.