Is this the break Federer needs to get back on track?

Roger Federer must be feeling pretty happy today. He may get mobbed every time he sets foot in the Olympic Village, and he may not get a chance to actually eat his food in the canteen, but he won’t care. Because the draw is out and it looks good.

Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray – the form player coming into the Olympics – are all in the other half of the draw. OK there are some players in Fed's half who have unexpectedly beaten him recently (step forward Simon and Karlovic) but I can’t imagine lightening will strike twice.

So provided he get’s through his first round encounter with the erratic hard hitting Tursunov, and possible encounters with Canas and Nalbandian, he should have a nice run to the final.

Compare that with Rafa who is likely to get Lleyton in the second round, Querrey or Andreev in the third, Murray in the quarters, and Djokovic in the semi. You wouldn’t bet against Nadal after his recent run, but he will deserve a medal if he comes through that lot.

You can read it here

UPDATE: It just gets better for Roger. Karlovic has pulled out due to illness. Plus, I think Nalbandian may actually be in the other half of the draw, not certain, as the draw document is not very user friendly.

Don't cry for me Argentina

In recent years it's always been a safe bet to assume that at least one Argentinian player would make to the second week of the French.

But after shock defeats for Canas (1st round) and Nalbandian (2nd round), plus defeats for Chela, Junqueira, Decoud, Del Potro, Gonzalez, and Vassalo Arguello (all 2nd round), and Berlocq and Roitman (both 1st round), along with Murray's fine victory against Acasuso, a lot is resting on Eduardo Schwank, the only Argentine left in the draw.

And he has a tough match in the third round against Paul-Henri Mathieu, who is on fire at the moment.

Still every cloud... The good news for Murray is that if (and given his inconsistency this year it remains a big if) he gets past Almagro rather than face Nalbandian in the 4th he'll either play Chardy or Tursunov. Which gives him a decent chance of a quarter final spot against Rafa...

Federer strikes back

A good day's work for Federer today as he got one over Canas, his (other) nemesis.

Going into the match Canas had a 3 - 2 advantage in head to head results. But unlike last year when Canas enjoyed two back to back victories over Federer, today it was pretty comfortable for the world No 1.

Federer won in straight sets 6-3 6-3. The highlights are below. Check out the rally when Federer breaks Canas in the second set with the score at 3-3. It's about 2 mins 30 seconds in.

Play of the week

Mercedes ATP Play of the week. Fernando Gonzalez v Guillermo Canas. Gonzalez wins a great rally with a between the legs passing shot. Watch it here.