Sports: Clash of the Titans

The biggest two stories in pro sports this week are the NBA Finals and the French Open Finals. In terms of media coverage and advertising dollars, obviously the NBA is wiping the floor with pro tennis. You don't see many "Roger Federer" T-shirts walking down the street, right? It's weird how athletes can rise to almost the greatest level of achievement in a particular sport, but not gain much recognition from the wider public. I'm sure Federer's tournament winnings and endorsements ease the pain, though.

The NBA Finals is an old story - old dog vs. young dog. The Spurs are a team of grizzled veterans led by Tony Parker (who almost draws as much attention from his engagement to Eva Longoria as he does from his incredible court quickness) and Tim Duncan. They are also the NBA's answer to the UN: Duncan's from St. Croix, Parker's a Frenchman, and Manu Ginobli is from Argentina. Against them is the Cavaliers: "King James" and all his men - Drew Gooden, Daniel Gibson, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, and the rest. The Spurs have already smacked the Cavs in Game 1 and I predict a quick end for LeBron and co.

The French Open is a bit more interesting. On one side you have another king, the "King of Clay" Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard has won the last two French Opens and is ranked #2, second only to Federer. Federer has won every Grand Slam except Roland Garros, and his futility there will reach Sampras-like levels if he fails to defeat Nadal. This will probably be a close contest, but my money's on Nadal. Never bet against a guy with "construction worker arms."