Federer

Rafael Nadal (Spain) won the French Open final today in Roland Garros playing against Roger Federer (Switzerland).

I am a huge fan of Federer and although he lost to Nadal after a whole bunch of unforced errors, he still proved why he is the best tennis player in the world today. This is the first time ever I have seen Federer accepting a runner-up trophy.

Consider these: Nadal is the only player in 2006 to defeat Federer in a major championship match. Federer has never won the French Open. This is Nadal's 60th straight clay court championship win and the 100th of his career. Nadal is 20 years old.

Despite not being huge on plays on court, today's match was nevertheless a very good one to watch. Nadal came as close as being 2 points away from defeating Federer in the 5th set, but Federer showed why he is one of the (mentally) toughest player ever by sending the match to a tie breaker. When he'd been asked prior to the match whether he practices for tie breakers, he replied: "No. I don't think any player does. Anyway it's all mental, isn't it?"

After the match,
Federer: "... I didn't play well. ..."
Nadal very graciously: "... [Federer] is the best player in the world on all surfaces. Just not here, just not today. ..." He had commented earlier that if he had not been playing him, he would have rooted for Federer himself.

The fact that english is not the home language of either has the surprisingly pleasant result that when having to respond to questions in english, both of them are very simple, direct and honest.
I think the reason why I like Federer so much (and earlier Pete Sampras - for the same reason) is because even at the highest levels of the game, he never shows any physical indications of stress or emotion. He doesn't grunt. He doesn't curse. Any exultations are muted with just a pumped fist. Very elegant players both.