Bienvenida de nuevo Rafa

The indomitable retriever is back. And what better surface to return on than his beloved clay. While the other three from the big four have been carrying the flag of awe inspiring tennis, the void that Rafa left after Wimbledon last year always rankled. His knees have been a cause for much strife and heartburn (forgive the physiological irreverence) but his style of play would always keep Nadal prone to such debilitating injuries. He has said that it would take some patience for him to get back in groove and one can just hope that time is before he steps upon the red clay of Roland Garros to defend his favorite title. He has dropped out of the top four in the ATP rankings with his compatriot Ferrer taking his place but there are no doubts about where he belongs. His absence may have led to a loss in ranking points but there has been no ebbing in his fan's love and respect. The golden age of tennis was bereft of its most dogged protagonist for a few months and with him being back, the levels of competition should just inch up that much more. Certainly a mouth watering prospect for all tennis aficionados. Nole may have to raise his game just that little wee bit more if he is to complete his career grand slam and continue his all conquering run. Here's wishing the Spanish great an injury free year ahead.

The ICC women's world cup is under way and the sound bytes that it has generated goes some way to show where the women's game is. While skill and quality surely play a role in the lowly standing that it has, the revenue generation is certainly not any less to blame. With no big money being involved either at the turnstiles, or in the telecast rights, the players get paid poorly and the budget to hype the quadrennial event is even poorer. Its certainly not a profession a good athlete would have in her sights. As long as the monetary aspect of the game doesn't become respectable if not lofty like their male counterparts, women's cricket is destined to dwell in the by-lanes of mediocrity and irrelevance.