This is a legitimate shocker – the guy everyone was pegging to be Nadal’s main rival at Roland Garros was knocked out in the third round today by German James-McAvoy-look-alike, Philipp Kohlschreiber.
Even more shocking: it was in straight sets. Also shocking: Novak Djokovic didn’t retire or make excuses.
Here’s Novak still trying to get over his disbelief after the match:
“I mean, it’s a Grand Slam. Look, you know, I’m one of the favorites to get far in the tournament. This cannot happen. Of course, it’s all my fault, and I accept the responsibility.”
He denied feeling any physical problems, saying, “I think it was just me and my head today.”
Here’s Novak Dejected-ovic putting on a brave face:
Yep, Novak totally pulled a Venus. Hard to say if there was too much or too little between the ears. Can you retire for brain cramps?
Novak’s section of the draw is now wide open – with del Potro and Tsonga the big contenders. The two giants meet next in the Round of 16, with the winner to face either Kohlschreiber or Robredo. A very interesting state of affairs, indeed.
The Round of 16 is set (how time flies!), with a few major dark horses in the mix:
Nadal vs. Soderling, Davydenko vs. Verdasco, Murray vs. Cilic, Gonzalez vs. Hanescu, del Potro vs. Tsonga, Robredo vs. Kohlschreiber, Roddick vs. Monfils, Haas vs. Federer.
Besides Nadal in the final, almost everything else is a toss-up. Murray vs. Cilic, Roddick vs. “knees” Monfeelz and delPo vs. Tsonga are especially intriguing. Tommy Haas is in good form – I hope these tight four set matches that Roger’s playing are just his way of practicing for the Big One.
P.S. Thanks to everyone who particpated in our first ever live chat “Tennis Party” It was lots of fun and we look forward to hanging again soon!
Novak and his head: photo by JACQUES DEMARTHON/AFP/Getty Images via Yahoo!Sports
Tags: ATP, Djokovic, French Open, Kohlschreiber, Roland Garros, tennis
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I feel sorry for Nole, watching that presser – he seems pretty crushed. He said his ‘legs got stuck’. Something that Roger said in his presser struck me about that – that the wind blew a lot of the clay off court and made sliding that much more difficult. Maybe Novak suffered from that and just couldn’t get back into it? Odd, anyway.
Thanks for the party, it was a lot of fun to chat with you all!
I feel sorry for Djoky as well, i was expecting him to get at least to the semi’s. Kind of a bummer, but at the same time makes it easier for Roger to get through
Yah Tennis Party was a total blast being able to chat with everyone while the match was going on..we’ll try and do it again tomorrow
Whoo hoo! Tennis Party was a blast! Thanks Louise for hanging out with us.
I do feel a little bit sorry for Nole. What kills me is when his voice cracks while he says “next year.” Awwww.
Still hoping it makes Roger’s path to the finals easier. He needs all the help he can get!
so tomorrow tennis party again? yayyyyyyyyy what time?
Hi Henry! Well, we force ourselves to get up sometime early in the morningish (6 – 7am Los Angeles time) and start chatting then.
We’ll send a Twitter when we’re logged on.
Thanks for joining us!
Ola!
Thanks for the pressers! I feel kinda bad for Djoke, but I’m still pretty mad at him for ruining my bracket. After all the drama of the draw and ‘OMG, WHOSE SIDE IS HE ON’ he goes and decides to ruin everything. O_o
LOL, I know I’m being unnecessarily harsh…but sometimes Nole needs a smack upside the head to get him sorted. Heee.
The party was fantastic! I hope I can make it tonight (wireless woes and meeting old friends not getting in the way). Sorry I ran off without a word last night, the computer needed restarting and then I just couldn’t be arsed with the tennis anymore.
Hi Risha! Yes, poor Nole. Didn’t you see how sad he looked. I think you’re responsible for his loss – he was obviously feeling the pressure of your bracket!
Thanks again for joining the party! It was a blast having you – love someone to talk Gilly with. Hopefully we’ll be able to chat soon!