It was close. Nearly the biggest upset in recent slam history, and dare I say possibly the biggest upset in French Open history… a set away. But the match was always going to end this way.

Rafa defeated Tree in 5 sets, dropping the second and third, and needed to summon a ton of strength in the fourth and fifth set to stave off early elimination. Both of Isner’s sets came in tiebreaks, naturally. I must say, his serve was absolutely cracking, and his willingness and ability at the net was fantastic. Power and different looks are what throw the best of players off their game, and it was a deadly combo for Isner.

However, he needed to win that fourth set if he was going to win the match. Rafa slowed his tempo down, and in the lull of the beginning of a new set, Rafa broke and fought his way for the set. By the end of the set it was clear that Tree’s level and energy were dropping drastically and he was all but out of it.

This match is another reason why the guys at the very top of the men’s tennis iceberg are simply amazing and inspiring. If you manage to take them to five sets, kicking and screaming, you still have to find a way to break them and outlast them. Even though Tree seemed to have a serious grip on the match after the third set, within minutes he was broken and all of a sudden it seemed like Rafa had every ounce of momentum with him.

We’ll see how Nole’s fitness does, as well as the other top guys. I’ve got a feeling there’s going to be some great 5-setters this fortnight.