I could've told you... 4/1/2011

Date: 4/1/2011
Result: Miami SF, Rafael Nadal def. Roger Federer, 6-3 6-2
Why it matters:
- I could've told you that this matchup isn't as mouthwatering as it used to be.  I could've told you that their head-to-head doesn't lie - that Nadal's wins aren't all on clay and that he can beat Federer on hardcourt.  I could've told you that Rafa intimidates Federer, and Federer's pride alone isn't enough to take Rafa down. I could've told you that what we have now is a fairly dominant world #1 who is at (or near) his peak and a great champion who is on his way down.
- And everyone was saying it was sad.  And it was sad.  But it's what "everyone" wanted, apparently.  Will they remember this performance?  An utterly dominant performance by Nadal in every aspect, where Federer looked rattled early and throughout.  If you really like Federer, do you want to see him go through this?  Isn't it better to just hope, for his sake, that he keeps putting on his show against the lesser ranked guys, and maybe doesn't need to face Rafa or Novak very often?
- I don't think it's "over" for Roger, but it'll never be the same.  He can't beat the top few guys week in and week out anymore.  And to be honest, that was probably the case since 2008, even if he got to #1 in 2009.  But on a given day, with an inspired performance, and maybe some type of adapted game plan rather than stubborn "but this always used to work" mentality, then he can take another major or two.  But this performance was exactly not the kind of result he needed going into the clay season.
Honorable Mention:
- Miami SF, Novak Djokovic def. Mardy Fish - 63 61 - Djokovic looked to be uncomfortable in the hot conditions, but his game is still too tough and polished at this point to be picked apart easily.  This COULD be a concern in the future, but as long as the momentum is going in Djokovic's direction, I don't think any physical adversity will get to him.  Fish didn't play well enough, it's pretty plain and simple.  But for Fish, he's had a great week - and now can transition to clay in the low-pressure event in Houston.