Rafael Nadal wins match, regains #2 ranking!

He’s back!

Spanish heartthrob Rafael Nadal had a dismal summer after losing his French Open crown and being unable to defend his Wmbledon title. Nadal was No. 1 or 2 from July 2005 until three weeks ago, when he dropped to No. 3.

But he is assured of returning to the number two spot (behind Roger Federer) with his win over Frnace’s Gael Monfils because curremt number 2 Andy Murray had a shocking loss earlier in the day. Murray seems to have wilted under the pressure of being one of the favorites to win the tournment.

I’m a Federer fan bigtime but also am very fond of Nadal because of his fighting spirit (okay, I like the biceps too). He should be a cinch to make the semifinals of the US Open, the only one of the sport’s four majors that he has never won. It would be great to see Rafa and Roger resume their rivalry on Sunday in the men’s final.