May 31 2009
Nadal’s Reign Ends
Rafael Nadal lost at the French Open for the first time Sunday. Nadal had won his first 31 matches at Roland Garros, including the past four championships. He was attempting to become the first man to win five straight French Opens but Robin Soderling, the 23rd seed from Sweden, defeated him, 6-2, 6-7 (2), 6-4, 7-6 (2). The men’s draw is now in upheaval. Andy Murray, the 3rd seed from Britain, is the best seed left in the top half of the bracket. Second-seed Roger Federer remains in the bottom half. He’ll play Monday against Tommy Haas.
Dinara Safina, the top-ranked woman in the world, continued to cruise through her draw after smashing Aravene Rezai, 6-1, 6-0. Safina will face Victoria Azarenka in a quarterfinal match. Azarenka dismissed the defending champion, Ana Ivanovic, today, 6-2, 6-3.
Detroit forged a two-game advantage in the Stanley Cup final after a 3-1 win tonight over visiting Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh hosts Game 3 Tuesday.
Steve Stricker won the Invitational at Colonial following a playoff against Tim Clark and Steve Marino. Mark McNulty won the Champions Tour event at West Des Moines, Iowa after emerging from a four-hole playoff over Fred Funk and Nick Price. Christian Cevaer claimed the European Open in Kent, England.
Scott Dixon won the IndyCar Series race in Milwaukee. Jimmie Johnnson took the NASCAR checkered flag in Dover.
