Seafront Plodder Wrote:Indeed Rafa has been playing like a dream so far. And mention must also go to his fast improving compatriot Fernando Verdasco, who has just beaten Andy Murray. 
Now I just need to ensure I can find somewhere in Almeria to watch the final. 
Those damn successful Spaniards have also got another rising star in Carla Suarez Navarro. She's a dream to watch with her Heninesque style backhand, and has proved she's no slouch by already having beaten Venus Williams.
Rafa seems to be rapidly becoming the commentators favourite: certainly he's in his best form for quite a while and looks absolutely solid. The way he methodically shut down Gonzalez makes him look very tough to beat in the final I think. Can't see Federer beating him the way he's playing.
I think the womens' title is a wider-open affair. Bartoli was impressive in beating Jankovic, but I think Safina looks the toughest of all those left. Still it wouldn't surprise me if someone like Navarro broke through and took it.
An interesting tournament. Mrs MLCM is there at the moment, as I type, watching the Blake/Tsonga match. Am I jealous though? Am I what!
New objective : Almería half marathon
