French Open Week 2

There's no guarantee we see a Nadal vs. Federer final. But really, is anyone up to the challenge? I was happy to see Novak Djokovic playing to win and reaching the semifinals to set up his match against Nadal. Djokovic might be the type of player that men's tennis needs to challenge the two power houses. Everyone else, including former top players like Carlos Moya, look like amateurs against Nadal and Federer. Still, I doubt Djokovic will be able to seriously challenge Nadal in this year's tournament.

On the women's side, the most exciting event of week two was Justine Henin's victory over Serena Williams in the quarters. While Serena could intimidate and outplay most top players even when she's not at the top of her game, she could not do the same to Henin. That match, in my mind, solidifies Henin as the top player in women's tennis today. She has won at least one grand slam in every year since 2003 when she won two. She has reached four other slam finals and looks to add yet another French Open title to her collection. With the retirement of Kim Clijsters, the injuries plaguing the Williams sisters, and the inconsistency of Sharapova, Henin quietly put together an impressive four years of tennis. She should be the heavy favorite going into the finals against first time finalist Ana Ivanovic.

I was surpised that Guillermo Canas put on such a lackluster performance against Nikolay Davydenko. Perhaps he was looking past Davydenko, anticipating another match up with Federer. Canas is one player who managed to discover some flaws with Federer's game, beating him twice this year. Canas and Djokovic have potential to be threats to win in the future, but this year's French Open will be a rematch of the budding rivalry between Nadal and Federer. The match should prove to be a thrilling one.