Rafa loses to Gael Monfils ...

GAAH!!

I didn't watch any of the match until about the last 4 games, so I can't comment with any authority. But it seems that Monfils came out with game-plan, not a care in the world, played out of his skin and stunned Rafa.

After he took the first set 6-3, Monfils dropped his level a bit and Rafa moved ahead with a break to lead at 3-0. But he played one loose service game to let Monfils get the break back, and then with luck, good shots and blah, blah, blah, Rafa missing break back points and losing his service again to love to give Monfils the chance to serve for it, even a fight back to deuce and some great play didn't cut it as winners came off Monfils's racquet.

Our friend Denzy still maintained that Rafa was better than he was, albeit with work to do, and the fact that he's trying things is pleasing. I guess I was wildly disappointed. Certainly NOT with Rafa, but that's me not being able to divorce the fan within from trying to rationally report on this.

Its just that I want Rafa to win something. I want him to feel that sense of victory, something to push on from that gives him that confidence. And when he seemingly gets that chance within a tournament, its a shame he can't take it. But no-one will be harder than Rafa on himself over missed opportunities.

But then perhaps its not the right time for him now. He still needs to work, he still needs to try new things, and maybe a victory may mask things he may need to do. And the thing is, I'm sure that Rafa knows that Monfils is just one of those mad, showy players that sometimes have their day where they play out of their skin and seize the victory. And lets not forget, he's only managed that feat once before. I read a great quote once about Monfils in that his coach is the person that really wishes he could sack him! I think Rafa can deal with this defeat perhaps better than if he had one in the final against Tsonga. I think that would be much more damaging to him mentally considering that Tsonga is now starting to knock on the door within the top eight.

Anyhow, that's me. Let's see what Rafa has to say about it ...

"I go to Australia very happy about what I did here. I think I played a great tournament.

I played more aggressively than usual, including today, even if I know that's maybe not the right thing to do. I needed to be a little bit more consistent today, but I am doing the things I have to do to compete against the best players in the world.

I may not win in Australia, but I have to keep working like this and I'm going the right way to win in the future."

Indeed Rafa ... to the future!!