; how many young kids in our country signed up for football because they

ROME -- Novak Djokovic is going to the French Open with a big clay-court victory in his pocket. Cheap Air Max 97 Grey China . And a heavy heart. Djokovic extended his recent dominance over Rafael Nadal by rallying for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory Sunday to win the Italian Open for the third time -- then dedicated the title to his flood-hit native Serbia by carving a heart on the clay with his racket. "This heart on the court is for you," he told the fans in Italian during the victory celebration. "Its also a special dedication to my country, which is suffering a lot right now. My heart is with them." In the womens final, Serena Williams kept the crowd from being a factor in a 6-3, 6-0 victory over 10th-seeded home favourite Sara Errani to win her third Rome title. Errani was bidding to become the first Italian to win the tournament in nearly 30 years but the top-ranked Williams quickly took control in both sets and Errani was slowed by a left thigh problem. Williams had a left thigh problem herself last week that prompted her to withdraw before her quarterfinal match at the Madrid Open but now she appears back on track for the French, which starts next Sunday. "Im not 100 per cent but Im just kind of going on adrenaline," the top-ranked American said. Djokovic found his motivation from a different source. Authorities say 25 people have died in the Balkans because of the worst flooding in a century after three months worth of rain fell on the region in three days this week. Tens of thousands of homes were left without electricity or drinking water. "Im trying to contribute in my own way," Djokovic said. "These are very critical times for our country and our people. But were being united and this win and this trophy is dedicated to them." Having also been beaten in Monte Carlo and Barcelona recently, it marked the first time in a decade that the top-ranked Nadal has lost more than two matches on clay in the same year. Nadal was pushed to three sets in four out of his five matches here. "When he hit the first ball good a lot of times it was very difficult to arrive to the ball and change the dynamic of the point," Nadal said. "I didnt have enough energy to hit the first shot with the right intensity." The second-ranked Djokovic has now won four straight matches against Nadal -- the previous three in straight sets -- and takes the psychological edge to Paris. "It gives me a lot of confidence winning against Rafa in the finals of a big tournament on clay," he said. "Its definitely a confidence booster. Its an ultimate challenge and Im very happy with my game so far and hopefully I can carry that into Roland Garros." The French Open is the only Grand Slam that Djokovic has yet to win, with his best result a runner-up finish in 2012. Nadal has won the tournament eight times. Djokovic was able to dictate play by stepping inside the baseline. "I tried to be aggressive from the start to the end," said Djokovic, whose other Rome titles came in 2008 and 2011. "I know that the only way to win against him is to be aggressive." Earlier, Errani left the court for an injury timeout while trailing 5-3 in the opening set and came back with her thigh bandaged. On the final point before she left the court, Errani pulled up and let a shot from Williams pass by her without even attempting to get to it. "Im sorry. You were unbelievable all week," Errani told fans during the victory ceremony, as she brushed back tears. "I tried to do my best and stayed on the court only for you." Williams other Rome titles came in 2002 and last year -- and she went on to win the French Open on both occasions. "Im also sorry for Sara today," Williams told the crowd in Italian. "She really played great all week." Organizers attempted to whip up patriotic fervour by having the Italian anthem sung before the players walked out onto the court, and fans continuously chanted "Sara, Sara" to try and encourage Errani in an atmosphere that more resembled a Davis Cup or Fed Cup setting. But Williams jumped out to a 3-0 lead and while Errani had a few chances to get back into the first set, Williams overpowered the Italian with her serve -- she had seven aces to Erranis none -- and overall attacking game. Still, Errani could console herself by becoming the first Italian finalist in the tournament since Raffaella Reggi took the 1985 title in Taranto. Cheap Air Max 97 Black China . - Kyle Wood and Barclay Goodrow scored second period power-play goals to provide all of the scoring for the North Bay Battalion in a 2-0 victory over the Erie Otters in Ontario Hockey League action on Thursday. Cheap Air Max 97 All White China . “Momentum is only as good as the next days starter,” the long-time Baltimore Orioles manager famously quipped. http://www.cheapairmax97fromchina.com/ . The Big Man finished 3-1 in Week 19, and sits at 53-24 on the season. Now Schultz is ready for more action.It isnt perfect but it isnt as bad as most thought it would be. It is well documented now, but Hamiltons first home game of the season wasnt really a home game because they played at McMaster and arent yet able to get to their new home at Tim Hortons Field. In fact, since Kent Austin signed on as the teams head coach, his TiCats have not had true home field advantage in 10 possible home games. Guelph did a good job last year, but it is not the same true home field advantage that you get when you are in your own locker room and playing in front of a home crowd that knows how to make it tough on the opposition. Most opposing players will tell you that fans in Hamilton can make it tough on the opposition. Having said that, McMaster for a few games is not going to be the end of the world and did provide the fans an up close a personal look at the physicality in football. The Redblacks and the Ticats were pounding each other and fans at McMaster are so close to the field that most of them probably went home and strapped on some ice packs like the players do. They were that close. It is almost like getting that backstage pass and performance by a rock band. There is the concert for 40,000 people but if youre lucky and won the contest on the radio, you are one of fifty people to get a private performance backstage and a chance to meet the rock stars. Last Saturdays game at McMaster felt a little like the backstage performance. Everyone is looking forward to the opening night of the new Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton and tops on that list is the teams head coach Kent Austin. But until then, a select few fans can get a backstage pass, although they may want to wear a helmet. The New PI Rule While there are a few that are still dragging their feet when it comes to the rule change where by coaches can now challenge defensive pass interference, it sounds like the change has working the way it should. To date there have been 10 challenges of defensive pass interference (they have all been on non-calls), and only two have been overturned. On those two "non calls" overturned, both were in the end zone and in the final analysis the correct call was made. Some have tried to blame longer games, more penalties, and longer reviews on the new PI rule, but none of those issues have anything to do with the new rule. Generally speaking, even coaches that were initially skeptical have supported it, including the coach on the TSN panel Paul Lapolice, who early in the season was opposed to the rule change but on a recent conference caall said, "speaking as a coach, I would like the opportunity to challenge a game changing play like PI in the end zone if I was on the sideline. Cheap Air Max 97. quot; To understand why more penalties have been called, look no further than the roughing the passer call. It is up by a 50 per cent from this time last year but has been trending down for the last two weeks. That should sort itself out when players learn the new standard and the new target area on quarterbacks. As far as lengthy reviews are concerned; according to the league, there have been 25 coaches challenges this year and they are averaging two minutes and 15 seconds. The target time is about 1:30 and the league is working hard to get to that target but that could take some time. Also of note, the 10 PI challenges have averaged about 1:55, so on average are taking less time than the other reviews. So, lets not blame the new PI rule change for other issues. It is interesting that every time pass interference is called, there is a debate as to whether or not it should have been called by coaches and the players. If you talk to an offensive coach, they will say that a defensive back should not ever touch a receiver unless he is right on the line of scrimmage. While when you talk to a defensive player or coach, hand fighting and a little pushing and pulling should be fair game. In reality, there shouldnt really be a debate because there is a standard as to what is and isnt PI. Most that still complain either dont know the standard or know it but dont agree with it, which is a different argument all together. If you want to argue the standard and the actual rule, thats one thing but it is a different discussion then the one involving the review of PI. So lets stop blaming the review of PI for everything from extended games to the flat tire you had this morning. Superman Honoured in BC Much has been said about how great of a football player Geroy Simon was and he deserves all of the notoriety. The BC Lions did a fantastic job of honouring one of the leagues greatest players; including one moment that really stood out during the ceremony. As good of a player that Simon was, he is even a better person and role model to so many young kids. It was great to see him surrounded by all those young amateur football players in the tunnel at BC place, all with huge smiles on their faces and all trying to do the Superman pose. It makes you wonder; how many young kids in our country signed up for football because they wanted to be the next Superman? ' ' '