Huge win for perennial "next-tier" player Jo-Willie Tsonga, who took Roger Federer out in straight sets at the French Open today. I got a snarky comment about my "lack of loyalty" to players the other day, but just to clarify: I am still a huge Federer fan. It's just that after losing sleep over his wins and losses for so many years -- as I did with Chris Evert, Tracy Austin and Steffi Graf in the past -- I decided that once he won Roland Garros, thus completing the career Grand Slam, I would finally relax and allow myseelf to enjoy it if someone outplayed him. I decided this was a compliment in and of itself because to beat him means you too are really something special. (Unless your name is Rafael Nadal!) Novak Djokovic came along and started to figure out how to beat Roger, and I applauded. Now the Frenchman pulled it off and I'm happy for him, too. Disappointed for Svetlana Kuznetsova, who had a real shot at beating Serena Williams. Sveta is one of those players who had everything she needed to be a HUGE champion, but had to settle for a Hana Mandlikova type of career ... because of a similar mentality.Damn brain gets in the way of so many great athletes -- just ask Sam Stosur.
3 comments:
Did you watch Serena's and Serena's and Svetlana's match. Svetlana was a mere spectator as Serena almost beat Serena. I was extremely disappointed in Mary and Lindsey today. I usually love them but they were giving credit to Svetlana for playing well - as much as Serena tried to give her the match she kept pushing her away.
Serena just disappeared at the start of the second set - no foot work, no pace and no presence. Like she went to sleep. When she finally woke up, "Father, The Sleeper has Awoken!" it was like a light switch and the match was over.
I doubt Serena will let that happen again in this tournament and will play even better. Maybe she had a Chrissie Wimbledon moment - you know the one where she was handing Evonne her passport out of England when she looked up and saw John flirting with another woman and promptly lost? Yeah, I think something like that happened. It'll be in her book.
I have a different take than you, Kenneth, about favorites and winning: I root for tennis, not a tennis player. And hasn't tennis seen some pretty amazing matches among Roger, Rafa, and Nole, filled out with those next-tierers whose talent rises to the occasion.
With Serena, she is regularly her own toughest opponent. But what does that say about her talent? Similar to Rafa this year, though not bringing their best game, still wins.
I have been an avid tennis fan for more than 40 years, and in that time, I don't think there has been such a period of tennis wonder. On the men's side, the big three put on shows that amaze me; Andy Murray roughing up the mix, and the next-tiers who post strong challenges.
On the women's side, every few months a new number one, those who fall down, getting back up to #1.
These are good years for tennis fans, irrespective of who takes home the trophy.
****
It will be quite the accomplishment should Rafa find his way to an eighth win -- a mark for the ages, just as Roger's 17 majors. But, he still has 3 matches to go. And wow, should he find himself up against Jo-Willie, a 7 timers vs a Frenchman. Finger crossed for a match of matches!
kenneth, maybe a little warning about spoilers in the tennis posts?
i love reading your take on the tournaments and players, but i have several hours of play just waiting on my tivo that will now be erased when i get home - just asking politely.
Post a Comment