Nadal vs. LeBron ... talking versus sulking after a loss

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Here’s a look at what Rafael Nadal had to say after his stunning French Open loss Sunday to Robin Soderling that ended his 31-match winning streak at Roland Garros.

Quite the contrast to what LeBron James said after his Cavaliers were knocked out of the NBA playoffs Saturday night which was basically, nothing. Apparently even the puppets couldn’t get LeBron to talk.

In its way, this loss by Nadal had to hurt him as much as Cleveland’s unexpected playoff exit had to hurt James. Nadal looks forward to his rivarly matches with Roger Federer and it is only these matches at grand slam tournaments that bring Nadal the kind of attention in the U.S. that James gets all the time. But there was Nadal after the match owning up to the disappointment and answering questions. James? He just ran away.

-- Diane Pucin