Rafa screams and roars as he makes it to the last 4!

Rafael Nadal, when he made his re-appearance in Montreal early this month, he had lost his number one spot to the mighty Federer. It certainly was too much for a man making his comeback to where he belongs and even ruled for a while. Had to play his best against his old foes but they all were at their best and were playing best tennis of their lives. In Montreal, Rafa looked rusty and that was expected. He was cautious and obviously didn’t fancy taking chances on his newly resurrected knees. He ended his campaign as a losing quarter finalist but had a good feel of the hard court and may be took home some much needed confidence both on his game as well as on his tender knees.

Now playing Cincinnati Masters, just after a week’s break and after losing the number two spot to Tennis world’s emerging force called Andy Murray, the man certainly appears to be in the groove. He is the Rafa we have been used to and seen when he was at his sublime best. Yes the serve still needs attention but his incredible shots on the run, deft volleys, back hand pass and his bread and butter shot – fore hand cross court winner makes it up for his weak service.

I always was under the impression that a player can hit an unbelievable cross-court forehand or an extra ordinary backhand pass only once in a while. But this man, looks to me that he is making a living out of these shots. How could he play such incredible shots in every game, every set and every match that he plays? Toughie, real toughie he is. And it’s a little wonder why he is such a great competitor. If losing the number two spot is not motivation, then what else it could be behind his hunger? He surely is eager to regain his lost ground.

At the time of posting this piece, Rafa had won his quarter finals match against the Czech Thomas Berdych and what a clinical performance that was? It was amazing to watch Rafa play all those shots that made him a star and shots that sent shivers down the spines of some great players.

The semi-final line up tomorrow couldn’t have got better with the very best taking on each other and am sure it will light up the weekend for even an ordinary tennis fan. It is Federer Vs Murray and Djokovic Vs Nadal for a place in the finals on Sunday.

Let’s sit back and enjoy the very best of Tennis world taking on each other to stamp their seal of excellence.