ROLAND GARROS 2012
Postcard From Roland Garros: DelPo Picks Messi's Goals Over Djokovic's 2011
Paris, France
Arnaud Clement is playing his 15th Roland Garros.
ATPWorldTour.com takes a look at the news and talking points at Roland Garros on Monday.
DelPo Picks Messi Over Nole
Juan Martin del Potro believes Barcelona footballer Lionel Messi’s feat of scoring 73 goals in the 2011/2012 season just edges Novak Djokovic’s 41 successive victories last season.
Speaking to RolandGarros.com, the Argentine declared, “Wow, both are amazing. I’d probably say Messi, because I don’t think anyone will ever be able do that again. And Roger (Federer) and Rafa (Nadal) are both capable of matching Djoko.”
The Tandil native also divulged his love for football and in particular Argentine side, Boca Juniors. “I’ve loved the team since I was a kid. My family supports Boca, so for me it was a matter of course. I love the colours on their shirts, the stadium, the fans. [My favourite match] was probably the Intercontinental Cup final in 2000 against Real Madrid (Boca won 2-1). The match was in Tokyo and I was like a madman in front of my TV! I’ll remember that match for a long time.”
Annacone: Rafa Is Favourite
On the eve of the Spaniard’s title defence, Roger Federer’s coach, Paul Annacone, has declared Rafael Nadal to be the favourite to win a seventh Roland Garros crown. Speaking to the New York Times, the American said, “Of course Rafa is the favourite, and I’m sure he’ll say that he’s not, but he is. Even if he doesn’t want to hold onto that, I think he should hold onto it with pride because he’s earned it."
Read 'Nadal: Remember Paris' In All-New DEUCE!
Quote Of The Day
On tying Jimmy Connors' record for the most Grand Slam match wins with 233 after his victory over Tobias Kamke, Roger Federer said, “I think that’s a big one, because that was longevity. Jimmy is obviously one of the greats of all time and was around for 20 years.
“This is my 13th or 14th French Open. It all started back in ’99 against Rafter and I have hardly missed any Grand Slams. I obviously love the big tournaments. I have been so successful for such a long time and to already tie that record, 30 years old, is pretty incredible so I’m very happy.”
An Unfortunate End
French wild card Arnaud Clement battled to victory over Alex Bogomolov Jr. on Court 1, but only in the most unfortunate of circumstances. After more than four hours of play, Bogomolov's leg muscles started to cramp and after one particularly long rally at 4-5 in the deciding set, the Russian was forced to retire on match point for Clement. World No. 134 Clement, who is making his 15th appearance at the clay-court major, was leading 6-2, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6(2), 5-4, advantage. The 34 year old reached the Last 16 in 2003 (l. to Albert Costa).
Match Of The Day
Kazak Mikhail Kukushkin held his nerve against Ernests Gulbis of Latvia fought his way back into their match on Court 14. Gulbis recovered from a two sets and 1-5 deficit, in part due to 19 aces and 68 winners, but ultimately lost 6-4, 7-6(4), 5-7, 2-6, 6-4. World No. 55 Kukushkin will be looking to equal or improve his Australian Open fourth round exit in January.
Monday's Biggest Upset
Playing his first main draw at a Grand Slam event, Romania’s Adrian Ungur defeated two-time Roland Garros semi-finalist David Nalbandian 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, 7-5. Ungur saved 10 of the 11 break points he faced to oust the former World No. 3, who was making his first appearance on the red clay in Paris since 2008.