While I was gone...

I haven't posted in nearly two months, having been out of the country for a month's vacation. Before that, I was busy wrapping up things at work so that I could pass them on to whoever would be taking up my duties while I was gone.

Now that I'm back, quite a lot has happened since that last post about both Federer and Nadal getting into the finals at Monte Carlo:

• Nothing new at that finals as Nadal won his third straight title at Monte Carlo 4-6 4-6.
  
• Yet another honor was bestowed on Federer: he was named by TIME magazine as one of 100 most influential people in the world today. According to the magazine, these are the men and women "whose power, talent or moral example is transforming the world". The write-up about Federer who was classified under "Heroes and Pioneers" was penned by no less than tennis legend Rod Laver.
• Then the Rome AMS was not kind at all to Federer when he lost in the third round to Filippo Volandri in straight sets 2-6 4-6. Oh well.
• Federer unexpectedly split with Tony Roche, his part-time coach for two-and-a-half years, blaming a "lack of communication"--and not his recent slump--for the decision. Federer has stated that he intends to go it alone until at least Wimbledon this year.
• Finally Federer made a very crucial breakthrough at the Hamburg AMS where he defeated Nadal at the finals to win a fourth title there. More importantly, he halted the clay court specialist's winning streak on clay at 81 matches! Way to go, Roger! Federer had a very poor start at the match, dropping the first set 1-6 before he came back in the second winning it 6-2. Better still, he won the deciding third set 6-0, another bagel from the prolific Federer's Bakery--and on Nadal's beloved clay no less! Loved the exciting rally with Nadal serving during the third set at 0-3, 15-0. One could see how much the win meant to him when he let out an almighty roar to celebrate match point. I also loved the scene where Mirka came down to courtside to congratulate her man. So sweet!