So the French open is over and the new champion has been crowned. He goes by the name of Rafael Nadal. A 19 year old prodigy, the Spaniard is the best thing to happen to tennis since the advent of boom boom Becker, way back in 1987.

Not only this, Rafael is the youngest player since Michael Chang to win the French Open and also the second debutant to win the French Open since Mats Wilander did the same in 1982. Rafael’s semi –final victory over the reigning world no.1 Roger Federer had all the elements of a classic. Each player was not willing to give an inch. In the end it was Rafael's, stamina and tactical acumen, which prevailed.

Rafael has infused new life into the sometimes boring men’s tennis. He has charisma, he has athleticism and above all he seems to have a man’s head on a boy’s shoulder. But one win doesn’t make him invincible. He has a long way to go before he can challenge the supremacy of the Swiss ace Federer.

With his exceptional talent and redoubtable potential, we hope that we get to see a great rivalry on the lines of McEnroe-Borg, Becker-Edberg and Sampras-Agassi.

Come on Rafael; show us the aces up your sleeve!