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Top Men Set for ShowdownAfter capturing his fourth consecutive title at both Monte Carlo and Barcelona, Rafael Nadal’s reign atop clay court tennis seemed absolute. Then, for only the second time in his last 105 matches on dirt, Nadal lost. Fellow Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero upset the three-time defending champion in Rome, playing solid tennis and taking advantage of his opponent’s fatigue. The taxing clay schedule, which Nadal has criticized, seemed to play a role in this outcome – and some wondered if this theme would continue. It was no sooner than a fortnight that Nadal erased memories of this momentary lapse. He was challenged once again – this time by nemesis Roger Federer in the final of Hamburg – but Rafa once again showed why he is the undisputed king of clay. With the chips down early, Nadal stormed back from large scoreboard deficits in this match, turning a comfortable Federer victory into a puzzling defeat. Nadal’s win at Hamburg gave him all three clay Masters Series shields for his career. With a full week of rest, Nadal has looked even stronger at Roland Garros. He hasn’t dropped a set, and has steamrolled his competitors in the process. His toughest task will come against Novak Djokovic, who has also looked in command, in a much-anticipated semifinal. It’s the fifth consecutive Grand Slam semifinal that the 21-year old Serb has reached. There is a strong chance that the winner of this match-up will face Federer in the final. The world No. 1 has been given a relatively comfortable draw, and looks to be playing his best tennis of the season of late. Of course, we’ll see what that all means should he play Nadal, who has vexed him on clay for years, or Djokovic, who Federer lost to at the last Grand Slam in Australia. This year’s French Open has showcased a number of surprising performances (Robby Ginepri, Jeremy Chardy, Ernests Gulbis, and Gael Monfils), but the real story has been the continued dominance of the trio at the top.  Women Look to Establish New Pecking OrderWhile order has been restored in the men’s game, the women are currently in a state of flux. Justine Henin’s third round loss to Dinara Safina in the Berlin Open raised eyebrows, but her sudden retirement announcement just days later dropped jaws. It was an unprecedented move – no woman ranked No. 1 has ever quit while on top – and shocking in its timing, just weeks before the French Open. With Henin, the three-time defending Roland Garros champion, out of the picture, the stage is set for a new face to claim one of the sport’s biggest prizes. Dinara Safina, who ultimately won Berlin, is making a strong case for herself. The title boosted the Russian’s confidence at just the right time, as compatriot Maria Sharapova found out in Paris. The newly appointed world No. 1 has never played her best on clay, and that continued in the fourth round against Safina, where she lost after squandering a big lead and a match point. Another name who has come to the forefront is Kaia Kanepi. Like Ernests Gulbis of Latvia, the little-known Estonian has represented her Baltic nation admirably, reaching the quarterfinals of Roland Garros unseeded. Ousting the No. 6 seed Anna Chakvetadze in the second round signaled her arrival, but she’ll face her toughest test next against Svetlana Kuznetsova. Kuznetsova, a finalist here two years ago, is part of a group of familiar faces who have advanced deep into the second week. Perennial threat Elena Dementieva has been playing well this season, and has quietly stalked her way through the draw to reach the final eight. Jelena Jankovic, champion at Rome earlier in May, has been tested but has held off all comers. And fellow Serb Ana Ivanovic, who was outclassed in last year’s final by Henin, aims to atone for this performance and prove that she can win a Slam. History will be made in both the men’s and women’s tournaments this year. Which woman will capture her first French Open crown? Will Nadal tie Bjorn Borg’s record of four straight wins at Roland Garros? Will Federer complete the career Grand Slam? Or will Djokovic be halfway to a true Slam? For breaking news and analysis as we enter the crucial end stages of the championship, stay tuned to TENNIS.com.  On Newsstands NowTENNIS Magazine - Tsongmania - The Ilusionist: Carlos Rodriguez - Court Dreams - The Second Empire, Head Case Studies, and much more View Table of Contents | Click Here to Subscribe  Also On NewsstandsSMASH Magazine - Jelena Jankovic - Talking to Tennis' Newest Drama Queen - Before they Were Stars - Tennis Camp Survival Guide - Cool Racquets and Shoes Click Here to Subscribe
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