Is Djokovic still improving? - 5/13/2011

Date: 5/13/2011
Result: Rome QF, Novak Djokovic def. Robin Soderling, 6-3 6-0
Why it matters:
- This didn't end the way it began, surely.  Soderling just blew Djokovic off the court in the first game and it looked like Robin was going to have one of those days where he just didn't miss.  But Novak didn't lose his cool, made adjustments, and broke back immediately.  And once he put himself in the lead, he didn't look back.  This was the first real beatdown Novak's put on a top player.  He's been bageling players all year, but against Murray, Rafa, and Roger, he's had a few routine wins, but nothing that was this complete.  It doesn't seem possible that Djokovic is still improving, but it might be the case.
- For Soderling, he's just another victim.  But the truth is that for as great a player as he's been the last few years, especially at the French, Paris is really the special place for him and his results the other weeks of the year aren't consistently amazing, including on the clay that seems to suit him so well.  Paris is different somehow - Soderling just brings his best.  So no worries yet, Soderling fans.  I still expect him to at least live up to his seeding in Paris.  And if he ends up in Novak's quarter and things look bleak given this match, remember what Nadal did to Soderling in Rome just before the Swede took out the king of clay in Paris.

Honorable Mentions:
- Rome QF, Sam Stosur def. Francesca Schiavone - 62 64 - That's what we were expecting last year in the French final.  Stosur comprehensively overpowered Schiavone, leaving the Italian with almost no possible plan B to counter the tide.  Stosur's depth and power prevented Schiavone from mixing it up or attacking the net.  She could only defend the whole time.  It's just further proof that when you get in the pressure-filled situation of a Grand Slam final, anything can happen.  If Stosur can keep this form up, look for her the final weekend in Paris once again.
- Rome QF, Maria Sharapova def. Victoria Azarenka - 46 30 ret. - Azarenka must be thinking "not again"; really, he was on the court PLEADING with herself as if she had a choice whether or not she could finish.  She couldn't even hit a real shot.  That's really frustrating, but wouldn't you rather have it in Rome than in Paris?  It wasn't clear how severe this is, but perhaps Azarenka will be back and ready in time for the French.  Sharapova should use the momentum.  She'll get her crack at Wozniacki, but more imporantly, she's cemented herself in the top 8 for seeding purposes in Paris.  That should finally help her make a deep run either in Paris or Wimbledon after tough draws last year.