Rosol who?

The first set was intriguing but by the time it got over, the denouement looked obvious and expected. I hit the sack assuming a few winks were better than seeing another demolition act akin to the first round. This morning, however brought two surprises, one bigger than the other. That Rafael Nadal had been vanquished in the first week of a grand slam for the first time since 2005 has to rank as one of bigger upsets in tennis history. Hewitt losing to Karlovich as defending champion may be along side but then Leyton is not known for his tenacity as the Spaniard is. Rafa losing a five setter against a 100th seeded man in the second round of Wimbledon is stuff that you need to suspend your disbelief for. Lukas Rosol probably played the match of his life but that isn't enough to get better of the man who remains a human tennis ball machine. Haven't watched the highlights or a replay but going by the reports, it doesn't look like Rafa had a niggle to deal with. Grass certainly doesn't afford him the grip and bounce that clay does. He typically wears down opponents with his relentless returns but it seems Lukas did find a way around. I am not sure if this is a blip on the Nadal radar or a harbinger of a change of guard a the top of men's tennis but I certainly don't mind it.  Does Fed have a bigger chance now that his Albatross is out of the way? I don't think so. For him to get to the finals, the Djoker has to be conquered and that is not a distinct possibility. My two cents on a Brit getting to the finals in a long time and giving a good account of himself there against the world number one. However, Murray would still need to wait for his first slam. Novak to defend his title against Andy....and against the center court partisan crowd.

Balotelli putting a spanner in Germany's works was not expected and it nulls my prediction for a Spain Germany finale. Can the Azzuri repeat their giant killing run and put one over the Spanish. I guess not. It  may be another shoot out and not even the footballing gods know what happens there. Italy are probably the biggest over achievers in the world of soccer but its the results that count against fanfare. Hoping for an open and memorable Euro final.