Injured Roddick withdraws from Paris Masters

#4 jane f

Excellent post!! I agree with your assessment about Rafa. I am a HUGE fan of his and have so much enjoyed watching him ever since he turned pro. He's grown up before our very eyes!!
Rafa "does" have an internal switch which he seems to be able to turn on, at will, elevating him to a higher level of play when he needs it. Pete Sampras had that too, but Rafa's injuries have really hindered his ability to use that amazing mental toughness he has. His mental toughness has allowed him to win when his body has failed him~
Sometimes the mind or "spirit" is willing, but the flesh is weak and this may the case for Rafa right now. It's had so many set-backs.
I was hoping he would take the rest of the year off and rest his body and rejuvenate his focus and mind before the 2010 season begins. It's right around the corner now~
Andy is also a favorite of mine. I had never seen him play any better than when he and Roger fought that amazing 5 set war of attrition at Wimbledon last summer. I was so proud of him, he left it all on that court, as did Roger. While I think Andy has great talent, I don't believe he has as "much" mental toughness as Rafa. Actually I don't think anyone really knows if he's too 'old" to learn new tricks. I'm sure Andy wants to win, but he may not have it any more. We'll have to watch these "little" injuries closely to see just how much they effect both these men.
Roger is in a class by himself, as his tennis is SO efficient he seldom is injured! I watched him play Basel this afternoon, and it's almost as though he put's his game into "auto-pilot" and just sails!!
So nice to read your intelligent and insightful post~