Madrid Open 2012: Roger Federer Proves Blue Clay Is a Lame Excuse for Upsets

While tennis gods Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic whine like spoiled children, Roger Federer continues to casually dismantle opponents on the blue clay at the Madrid Open.

After losing in the third round to Fernando Verdasco, Nadal made a simple declaration: either the blue court goes or he goes.

The next day, Djokovic followed him to the loser's circle after falling in straight sets to Janko Tipsarevic. Then, he echoed Rafa's statements.

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''I want to forget this week as soon as possible and move on to the real clay courts,'' the top-ranked Djokovic said. ''Here you can't predict the ball bounce or movement.They can do whatever they want, but I won't be here next year if this clay stays.''

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Oh, boo hoo.

While the blue clay definitely made things more difficult, these complaints and threats are really an attempt at healing bruised egos.

As the two best players in the world, both guys were embarrassed about losing in the early rounds to unheralded opponents. That's why they made a point of bashing the court in the media, trying to find excuses to cover up the fact that they just got beat.

Meanwhile, Federer has been cruising along. The blue clay doesn't seem to have bothered him too much, as he just disposed of Tipsarevic—the man Djokovic lost to, in a dominant 6-2, 6-3 win.

It was his fourth victory of the tournament and third by straight sets. Now, he'll be taking on Tomas Berdych for the trophy.

Looks like blaming the clay is a lame excuse after all.