Andy Murray never gave up, but Rafael Nadal beat him in three competitive sets. That was not a surprise.

Djokovic wasn't as sharp as at Rome, but seemed to be on track. He led in the first set 5-4 and 6-5, but let Roger Federer get to a tiebreak. He was ahead 5-4 in the tiebreak, but Federer won the next three points and led 7-6. Djokovic looked terrible losing the second set 3-6. Novak was not handling Roger's serve on clay as well as he had on hardcourts. Also, Roger was frequently pulling ahead on Novak's service games. The man who had been undefeated this year was one set from defeat. That was a surprise.

The radio commenters thought Djokovic's best chance would be to last until the match was called for darkness. But then he looked to be back in rhythm, winning the third set 6-3. Winning the fourth set would probably have led to a one set playoff on Saturday.

But the fourth set looked a lot like the first. Djokovic was frequently ahead in key games, but Federer would come back. Novak had chances to take the set at 5-4, but Federer hit great shots, and great serves, when he needed them. Federer pulled ahead 6-5. Djokovic limped into another tiebreak, but fell behind. He fought back to 5-6, but Roger served it out, and the streak was no more.

Djokovic's chance to wrest the #1 ranking from Nadal will now have to wait until the grasscourt season. But Djokovic has pulled out of Queen's Club tourney, citing tendinitis in a knee. Queen's is a warmup for Wimbledon, so all is uncertain.

Fed looked good, but I'm still picking Nadal to win the final.