Vamos Rafa

As you awake this fine late Spring Sunday morning, make sure you turn on your flat screen to see one of the great modern day sporting classics Rafa Nadal v Roger Federer at the French Open in Paris. Frankly, any event staged in Paris is worth seeing but the topper is this pairing in the Men's Final on Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros. On the West Coast, the balls will be in the air starting at 6AM on NBC. For added enjoyment, John McEnroe, the best tennis analyst in the world, will be calling the action from courtside.

The last time these two tennis heavyweights met in the finals in Paris was in 2008. Rafa annihilated and embarrassed Fed in three straight sets. Fed won 4 games as the #1 player in the world at the time. A chastened Fed said afterwards, "Rafa is just too strong for me. I apologize to the fans for my performance today."

Fed is coming into the finals in fine form. He dispatched the current #2 player in the world, Novak Djokovic, in four tense sets in the semi-finals. His first serve was the difference in that match. He will need that same weapon today if he is to beat Rafa.

Rafa started slowly in this years French Open. He barely got out of the first round against 6'-8" American John Isner, in a five set marathon. But as the tourney evolved, Rafa became stronger. He handily beat the #4 in the world, Scotsman, Andy Murray, in straight sets.

So, today, as sports fans, we get what we all wanted. A Rafa v Fed major final. It's one of the greatest rivalries ever in sports. At 29, Fed has won 16 Open-era Majors. Rafa, 25, has won 9. If Rafa wins today on the red clay, he will tie Bjorn Borg's 6 French Open titles. Borg, arguably, is one of the greatest tennis players of all time ranked as high as #2 by some experts. Some say, if Rafa wins today he will be considered one of the top three of all time. Roger knows this and will not cede quietly. He will be formidable. What drama is waiting to unfold in the greatest city in the world, Paris.

Enjoy this match played by two exceptional athletes in their graceful sport. Both gentlemen. Both gifted. Both competitive as hell. Both in their prime. But, someone has to win; someone has to lose. My pick: Rafa wins in four sets.

Vamos Rafa. And don't break a tooth on the trophy.