#VAM8S: Rafael Nadal Wins 8th French Open Title

Rafael Nadal defeated David Ferrer 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 to capture this 8th French Open title. Nadal overcame some wet conditions and distracting protesters to keep the streak alive. Nadal’s dominance in Paris has become so commonplace it can be easy to forget he was out for 7 months with an injury, as recently as January. Yet, there have been no huge uphill battles, apparent yips, or shock losses thus far. Since his return, he’s been fast and furious collecting titles left and right. Some numbers:

Nadal in 2013 – 9 tournaments, 9 finals, 7 tournament wins.—
Tennis Panorama News (@TennisNewsTPN) June 09, 2013

12th major for Nadal ties him for 3rd with Emerson on the all-time list. Federer 17, Sampras 14. #tennis—
Tennis Panorama News (@TennisNewsTPN) June 09, 2013

.@RafaelNadal 1st man to win #GrandSlam title 9 years in a row. At 27 yrs, 6 days, 2nd-youngest to 12 Slam titles (Fed. 26 yrs, 32 days).—
Greg Sharko (@SharkoTennis) June 09, 2013

 
As the saying goes — long live the King!

Nadal and his eighth RG trophy. EIGHT! (USAT) http://t.co/If2BktwSbg—
Joe Fleming (@ByJoeFleming) June 09, 2013

My Super Sweet 16: Serena Williams Wins 2013 French Open

When it comes to Serena Williams, a lot of numbers begin rolling around. By defeating defending champion Maria Sharapova 6-4, 6-4, Williams showed that some matter and some don’t. Let’s take a look at a small sample of numbers:

Numbers That Matter	Numbers That Don’t Matter
Slams: 16 (2 behind Evert/Navratilova, 4 Graf) Weeks at No. 1: 140 (as of 6/10/2013) Career Titles: 52 Win Streak: 31 matches 2013 FO Result: CHAMPION	Age: 31 2012 FO Result: 1st Rd

You could argue none of these metrics matter, but how could they not? Since returning from her injury in 2011, Serena has been unbelievable. Many marvel at her successes despite her age.  But as she’s proven, it’s a number that won’t ever hold her back.

Roger, Rafa, Maria and Serena are Nike’s #KingsOfLights

Nike Tennis is no stranger to unique marketing events and their “Kings of Lights” exhibition was no exception. Ahead of the French Open, Nike Tennis’ marquee players — Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova, and Serena Williams — flipped the light switch off and got their glow on.

The event gave the players the chance to show off their upcoming French Open kits and a chance to meet some youngsters in the process. Moreover, it gave fans a glimpse of seeing the biggest tennis stars all on the same court. Between the four, there are 40-some Grand Slams, not to mention each is a member of the Career Grand Slam club.

“It’s always different and unique the Nike events we get to do. We never have the same schedule, so it’s nice that all four of us could be here at this time,”  Sharapova said.

Not sure what tennis will look like without these 4, but I’m glad we won’t have to find out for awhile. Check out the video below from the event and note the tennis court on the ceiling! The group ended up putting it to good use.

 
“Don’t smile, Roger.” “Okay.”

Video: Maria Sharapova sings some Cher

Indian Wells is already a few weeks removed, but during the tournament’s WTA All-Access hour, Maria Sharapova gave press a gem. While chatting about her love of karaoke,  tweets about Sharapova singing a few bars of Cher made its way to the interwebs.

In a newly discovered (to me anyways) video from the hour, you can witness the singing moment for yourself. It only lasts for about 2 seconds and some might call her “singing” debatable, but it’s a sight to see. Starts immediately at the :06 second mark.

Serena Williams wins 6th Sony Open title in Miami

Serena Williams defeated Maria Sharapova 4-6, 6-3, 6-0 to take her 6th Sony Open title in Miami.

If you only caught the last set, you would have thought “How in the world did Sharapova manage a set off Serena?!”. Williams shifted into high gear the last 9 games hitting clean and controlling points to take the trophy, but for a set and a half it was all Maria. Fans who tuned in most likely thought April Fools came early, as Sharapova applied her game plan effectively and consistently, attacking Williams’ forehand and returning deep, to take the 1st set 6-4. It would be the first set Sharapova has won off Williams since 2008 in Charleston, and the first on hard courts since the 2005 Australian Open.

But we would soon learn Serena is not one for pranks on the court. After getting broken to love by a Sharapova framer of a game to go down a set and a break at 3-2, Serena did what Serena does. She broke back to love, stole all momentum from Sharapova, and stepped up when it mattered most. For most of the match Williams was good and Sharapova was great. But watching Williams break Sharapova from 15-40 down at 4-3, their roles reversed. The rest of the match was textbook Serena, with the 3rd set reverting back to what fans are practically hard-wired to expect when it comes to this matchup. Williams delivered a bagel to capture her 6th Sony Open title, the most of any woman.

Sharapova for her part recognizes Williams’ brilliance…and her own shortcomings.

“That’s why she’s No. 1 in the world.  You know, she’s really capable of doing that [coming back]. Then towards the end, just, you know, I wasn’t there.”

Out of gas?

“I’d love to use that as an excuse, but I’m not one for those.”

Still, taking a set off Williams in nearly 5 years must give Sharapova hope. “It was a step in the right direction and there’s no doubt that we’ll be playing many more times.  There’s no doubt I’ll be able to beat her.” The quote will surely elicit scoffs from many (i.e., everyone who has seen their last 12 matches), but you know how the saying goes — “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”

Until then, Serena Williams is still the woman to beat on tour and that’s no joke.

Video: Venus and Serena Documentary Trailer

If you’re a fan of the Williams sisters, check out the trailer to the “Venus and Serena” documentary. Heck, even if you’re not a fan of them watch it.  It will be released on iTunes early April and will hit select theaters soon after.