Hi Everyone!

I did not anticipate writing these words, but after watching the Monte Carlo final I believe that Roger Federer is the best player on the planet but mentally Rafael Nadal is tougher when they compete against each other. Nadal currently has the mental edge: his attitude and game intimidate Roger forcing him to play inhibited tennis and to get very nervous.

Unless Roger beats Rafael before the French Open, I do not think that he will beat him at the French. Nadal has already shown that he can beat Federer on clay and on hard courts, so tennis really does have a great rivalry in the making.

Tennis is mentally so dynamic, which is fascinating because talent is only part of the puzzle - character being such a vital ingredient in the battle. The mental dynamics not only change off the court and between players but literally during matches and even point by point.

At this point I would like to remind you that Jim Courier made the final of Wimbledon after winning the French Open so, although unlikely, do not count Nadal out of a good Wimbledon run. This guy simply loves tennis and loves the spirit of competition in such a positive way that the best way I can describe him is having all the fighting qualities of a Jimmy Connors, made more powerful because it is never nasty or negative. Tennis is going to thrive with two of the finest ambassadors in all sport, Federer and Nadal, as leaders of the game.

The lead up to and including the French Open, bar injury or another player muscling their way into the reckoning, is all about Nadal v Federer.

WTA Tour

For a different reason the women’s game is just as intriguing with so many questions to answer. 

Will the Williams sisters return in strong form? Can Mauresmo build and use the confidence of Australia to kick on and dominate the year? Will Henin-Hardenne repeat at the French? Is Clijsters fit enough and hungry enough and clear enough in her head about her future to capture another Slam? 

Which of the young girls will emerge fully into the top 10 and mount a credible challenge for a Grand Slam title? The potential of many is obvious but mentally who will take the step? Vaidisova, Kirilenko, Golovin or Krajicek?

Leeds LTA Academy 

The Easter holidays brought some good results for the two ITF tournaments.

Naomi Broady won the Sutton ITF improving her ITF ranking to 540. She beat Anna Fitzpatrick for the first time in three sets in the quarters, the same round that Jo Craven lost to Amanda Elliot. Anna and Roxanne reached the semi-final of the doubles.

Anna reached the quarter-final of the Nottingham ITF in singles and the doubles with Roxanne.

Although showing positive signs of competing well in recent 10k women’s events, it is important for the players to begin reaching the latter stages of these events in the next nine months. It will be interesting to see which girl(s) take the opportunity and make this breakthrough first for the others to follow.

All the best,

David