There are many reasons why Rafael Nadal has had so much success at Roland Garros, but one that is cited more than most is the onerous demands placed on his opponent. To beat Rafa at the French, your concentration and shotmaking must be at optimum levels—more to the point, better than Nadal's—for three full sets. At other clay tournaments, two sets of superior work are required—still an immense ask.
Richard Gasquet, Nadal's opponent in today's Rome semifinal, was arguably at his best throughout the opening 10 games. Not only was his backhand penetrating the court and hitting every angle he chose; so was his forehand, a shot I've long felt has been overlooked. There were no signs of mental fatigue, he was comfortable around the net, and I'm sure he made many observers rethink their French Open darkhorse selection.
The problem was two-fold: Gasquet didn't sustain this level throughout the entire first set (let alone two sets), and Nadal got through these 10 games level at 5-all. It didn't always look that way, what with Nadal fending off three break points in the first six games, but he waited for that little dip of play, that seed of doubt that always seems to emanate from Gasquet. It came at 5-all, and Nadal earned his first two break points of the match. He'd need just one, smacking a cross-court backhand return winner. Nadal would hold to win the set 7-5, and that seed would only germinate—Gasquet was a non-factor in set two, which Nadal dominated, 6-1.
Only one player—Robin Soderling—has shown the mental and physical fortitude required to pin Nadal at Roland Garros. Many think that Novak Djokovic can do the same this year. Whatever happens in Rome, Paris is an entirely different test. But another Nadal-Djokovic final would make for a fine practice session. And it's hard not to think about when, after every game Nadal wins, the umpire announces: Gioco, Nadal—sounds a lot like Djoko, doesn't it?
—Ed McGrogan