to Rafael Nadal on his 6th Major Grand Slam title in the Australian Open. I've been following professional tennis for decades now and the thing that impresses me the most about Rafa is his drive. If ever anyone embodied the spirit of the saying, "Never give up" it would be him. He plays each and every point like it's the Championship Point. He strives to always get better and now that he's secured a Grand Slam title on what was considered his worst surface (hard court), it will be even more amazing to watch him compete. I thought the semi-final match against his countryman, Fernando Verdasco, was one of the best I've seen. The level of play was intense as both Rafa and Fernando battled it out for over 5 hours. Today, watching as Federer lost his way in the fifth set, it was clear he wasn't on his game. Rafa has a way of rattling his competitors that way - his tenacity is overwhelming - and Roger Federer isn't used to being Number 2 on a tennis court. Federer, understandably upset by his inability to match Pete Sampras' 14 career Grand Slam titles, wasn't as gracious as he could have been in defeat as he openly wept and at one point said, "God, it's killing me.". But that didn't tarnish the moment. Rafael Nadal is 22 years old and has the talent of a great champion, but the humble spirit of a truly wonderful human being. His parents and his coach, Uncle Toni, must be very proud of him for both his conduct on and off the court. I'm sure Spain is as Rafael Nadal is the first Spaniard to win the Australion Open title. Vamos, Rafa! as I look forward with great anticipation to May 24th and the beginning of the 2009 French Open - the surface where Rafa has reigned supreme for the last four years and will defend his title once more.
February 1, 2009
Congratulations
to Rafael Nadal on his 6th Major Grand Slam title in the Australian Open. I've been following professional tennis for decades now and the thing that impresses me the most about Rafa is his drive. If ever anyone embodied the spirit of the saying, "Never give up" it would be him. He plays each and every point like it's the Championship Point. He strives to always get better and now that he's secured a Grand Slam title on what was considered his worst surface (hard court), it will be even more amazing to watch him compete. I thought the semi-final match against his countryman, Fernando Verdasco, was one of the best I've seen. The level of play was intense as both Rafa and Fernando battled it out for over 5 hours. Today, watching as Federer lost his way in the fifth set, it was clear he wasn't on his game. Rafa has a way of rattling his competitors that way - his tenacity is overwhelming - and Roger Federer isn't used to being Number 2 on a tennis court. Federer, understandably upset by his inability to match Pete Sampras' 14 career Grand Slam titles, wasn't as gracious as he could have been in defeat as he openly wept and at one point said, "God, it's killing me.". But that didn't tarnish the moment. Rafael Nadal is 22 years old and has the talent of a great champion, but the humble spirit of a truly wonderful human being. His parents and his coach, Uncle Toni, must be very proud of him for both his conduct on and off the court. I'm sure Spain is as Rafael Nadal is the first Spaniard to win the Australion Open title. Vamos, Rafa! as I look forward with great anticipation to May 24th and the beginning of the 2009 French Open - the surface where Rafa has reigned supreme for the last four years and will defend his title once more.
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5 comments:
Fair Lassie, I dee not follow that sport, but I plays a mean game of Wii bowling.
I don't play any good Wii...haven't even seen one in person yet...but I love real bowling. Especially the "glow in the dark" type of bowling.
I haven't watched tennis in awhile. I went out with a fan who watched all the major matches some years ago- I'm afraid I wasn't as good at playing the game as he wanted me to be-
I can't see a match without thinking of him. I do understand the stategy n allure.
Some players are just gifted.
I have respect for tennis players. Every time I try to hit a tennis ball respectably, I slam it as if I were playing racquetball. Apparently my brain can't figure out the difference! LOL.
Snaggle Tooth, I'm smiing. Years ago (I won't say how many - lol) I dated a football fanatic. I never did get into the game...but, like you, I am reminded of him every time I catch a glimpse of a game.
Mia, I hear you. Tennis is hard ! I was never any good at it, but I admire the skill of the pros. I have tendon damage so the heaviest racquet I pick up these days is a badminton one.
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