Postcard from Roland

ByEurosport

Published 11/06/2006 at 20:13 GMT

Nobody likes having to go home, but all good things have to come to an end. So it is with this year's French Open, and after having witnessed both Rafael Nadal and Justine Henin-Hardenne retain their crowns on the red stuff in Paris, it is with great regr

It's been a roller coaster ride over the last two weeks, but it all came to an end on Sunday (the third of the championship) as Nadal proved that he is indeed the best clay player on the planet.

TENNIS 2006 French Open Federer R. - Nadal R.

Image credit: dpa

That maybe so, and perhaps the player knows it himself, but the 20-year-old from Majorca certainly does not let it show.

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The world number two was gushing in his praise of Federer after Sunday's four setter, even if the Spaniard struggled with his pidgin English.

"He is the number one because he plays better on all surfaces," Rafa said. "So I admire him. He's a very complete player. I have never seen anything the same before in the 20 years since I was born."

ROGER THAT

The final defeat came as a blow for Federer, who missed out on a whole host of records, including the honour of holding all four Grand Slams at the same time, a feat only Rod Laver and Don Budge have achieved.

TENNIS 2006 French Open Federer R. - Nadal R.

Image credit: dpa

"I tried," he said. "I can't do more than try. Obviously, it's a pity, but life goes on. I've got the grass court season coming up, and I'm looking forward to that one."

MMM, SILVER TASTES GOOD

Bizarre habit of the day had to go to Nadal's strange preoccupation with eating his trophies.

TENNIS 2006 French Open Federer R. - Nadal R.

Image credit: dpa

Once again, the apparently famished Majorcan chowed down after he had been presented with the French Open trophy, biting the rim of cup, and in doing so proving that his teeth are as strong as the rest of his body.

NUMBER OF THE DAY

51 - The number of unforced errors made by the normally impeccable Federer on his way to defeat.

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