Rafael Nadal has won the 2008 Wimbledon Championship ending Roger Federer's five year reign as champion.
I can't be happier. Rafa is the mens champion. Venus Williams is the womens singles champion (5 times) and the doubles champion with her sister Sarina.
In the past six months or more I have followed almost every match that Nadal played on hardcourt, clay, and grass.
In my view tennis is a lot like life. Tennis fortunes can turn around on one point and life can do the same in a heartbeat.
Rafa's mental strength to play each point with commitment and fortitude is nothing short of impressive.
Just when you think he can't come back, he does.
He never gives up even when all the chips are down and the odds seem insurmountable. Today he triumphed in the longest tennis final in Wimbledon history (it went on with rain breaks for more than six intense hours).
The final score, 6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 9-7, proved Rafa's unbreakable spirit.
There are life lessons in that spirit and game plan.
So I am a big tennis fan, and even bigger now because Rafa has redefined the game.
Vamos Rafa!
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4 comments:
I must confess that I am not a tennis fan, but over the years there were players who made me want to learn tennis. the first time I watch the whole tennis match was in the Olympics I think it was Barcelona between John McEnroe and Andre Agassi before He cut he hair. The william sister have their ups and down,but I started to follow them at their prime. As for Nadal he has got nerves of steel.
Hola Muzi it is good to read you again broer. Trust all is well in Jozi.
I have been reading the commentary on the match. Nadal won a lot of respect. Someone said his mental fortitude makes one belive he is
22 going onto 42.
Others worry about his very physical game. Will he last long enough?
I hope so. I also hear the worry about his knees and hope he modifies his game to be less about all-out power.
The courts at Wimbledon are also slower now than before. Makes for better tennis.
All the power serve tennis has been cut back and we should see more rivalries based on stroke playing.
Be well broer,
Ridwan
i am a huge tennis fan too
and therefore, am of the opinion that the aforementioned match was the 'greatest ever'
i know one should be skeptical of tabloid terminologies, but well, at times, certain things just cross the boundaries of cynicism
just one correction: the spelling of venus' sister's name is 'serena'
absolutely inconsequesntial i know, but still couldn't help it :)
Anwesha thank you for your comment. The Guardian UK had an online vote to guage how many folks thought the match was the greatest. I avoided looking at the results but heard Rod Laver say it was.
By any standard, it was simply amazing and good for tennis hey.
Ooops on Serena's name. I did the same on another blog and returned to leave another comment with the right spelling.
I think when I hear her name I see my childhood friend Zarina's name and stay stuck there.
Who do you think will win at the US Open? Will Rafa defy the critics and make progress on the fast hardcourt?
I hope so but think Federer and Djokovic will be hard to beat.
Peace,
Ridwan
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