All of a sudden it flashed in my mind. How come I still didn't write on this arguably the best Wimbledon final in the history of Tennis? So, I am now poised to explode with my heart stopping emotions, views and reviews on Wimbledon final 08. Before jumping into detail, I desperately want to state my stance i.e " I want to see somebody (damn anybody) beating Federer".
All Fedex fans out there, you must be wondering why? This instinct has been deeply rooted for a reason. I cannot take anything against my all time Tennis hero, Pete 'The Great' Sampras. I still remember the game, where that Swiss teen defeated and dethroned the Champion, as somber Pete Sampras lingered at his changeover chair, engulfed by cheers that weren't for him. I just couldn't take that sight. I had cursed Federer then and it continued. Had that match not happened, I would have been a huge fan of Federer. However, unfortunately it happened and the rest is history.
With my knees down and arms together I admit that Federer is one of the most, if not the most, talented players I have seen. He is a classic and he is poetry in motion. A great human on and off the court. In terms of quality, I tip him over Sampras even. However, unfortunately, Mr. Roger, I didn't happen and I don't support you.
So, what next? I was looking for someone all these years to be my role model, a favorite to cheer for and most importantly, a man who would dethrone the Emperor. There were quite a few pretenders who passed by, the Roddicks, the Safins, the Djokovics and even the Tsongas. But, Fedex was matchless. His quality is way beyond their reach. However, after nearly 5 years of reign, there emerged a warrior, the Spanish Armada, Rafael Nadal. I was following him for quite sometime now. I was convinced that this lad has quality, consistency and prowess, but was still unsure whether he is the answer for Federer.
Forget about clay, Nadal is unsurmountable. Fedex's only chance to win the French is when Nadal gets injured. But, I am looking at the grass. The 7 titles that my Pete holds are at threat. I want someone to stop Roger's run. Last year's final was a cracker. So close but yet so far. But, Nadal showed this world what is he made of. And, that final gave me hope. I knew that the days of Fedex's reign were numbered.
Federer looked out of touch this year following his loss to Djokovic and ofcourse the truly one-sided Ronald Garos Final. However, when it comes to Wimbledon, his den, he is a different player who is untouchable. He has that destructive weapon, the Serve. I keep saying, if you have the serve, you are almost there. That's the reason why Ivanisevic went on the win the title though he is a mediocre game player.
I watched some of the matches of this year Wimbledon. I found new players coming in, some showed glimpses of quality, some tight matches but none really a threat to Federer. However, I watched Nadal's games and found that he is just as sublime as Federer. So, there is only one man in Federer's way now. I want them to meet. I looked at the draw at the Nadal's end. For a moment, I analyzed the players in Nadal's way. A bit worried that would any of these players pose a serious challenge. However, I felt that it is silly to worry. If Nadal struggles against anyone, then he cannot beat Federer and of course, doesn't deserve to beat him.
Both reached final with great form under their belt. Both of them were poised and determined. The 'dream' final is on. Where the number one takes on number two (mind you, I dint state who is number one and number two). There was a Asian Cup final at the same time. India taking on Srilanka. Heck, who cares about that?
I just finished off my pending jobs to get ready for the final. I was bit late though. When I switched on my TV, Nadal already broke Fedex serve in the first set. I felt happy and continued watching. Nadal took the first set without much resistance. Then, I thought, "Do I see a Federer fight back now?". I knew that he wouldn't give away easily. As I thought it happened. Federer broke Nadal early in the second. Game on. However, amazingly this lad came back strong and clinched the second too. With two sets down, I thought it will be a mountain to climb for Federer. Moreover, he wasn't in this situation before. I doubted how Federer would respond to this. Now, I was relaxed and went out for dinner as there was a short rain break.
In the third, things have changed, both played equally well, matching game to game, point to point, stroke to stroke. An array of winners that you don't often see. If one comes up with an amazing point, the other answers it with another fabulous one. Third set, thus eventually ended up in the tie-breaker. It was 50-50. Federer was serving well and took the early lead. I knew this set would go to Federer. And, it did. Now, I felt Nadal should wrap it up in the fourth else Fedex would grow in confidence and he would be unstoppable if it goes to the decider.
Nadal started well. So did Federer. It was his vicious serve that was coming in handy. Nadal looked vulnerable at times with his weak serve. However, his game is a touch more in quality that Fedex's and thus he survived. In open play, the chances of winning the point for both players were 67-33 to Nadal. Nadal threatened to break Roger's serve. However, time and again Fedex came up with a moment of magic and survived. Similar to the third, the fourth too went to a tie-breaker. I felt that this should be the decider. Nadal, if he were to win the title, he should do it now, in the fourth. If it goes to the fifth, Federer will be unsurmountable.
Nadal took the lead. Fingers crossed. Now, this tie-breaker holds a special place in the history books. To me, two of the greatest points in the history of the Wimbledon final are played. One a stunner forehand pass from Nadal. At this moment, I felt, one got to produce such moments to beat Roger and so, he would win. Finally, Nadal got the championship point on his own serve. Both players under huge pressure. God alone knows what emotions must be going on within them. Nadal severed in and approached the net. Then, the maestro, delivers a backhand pass winner that a Champion alone can, and Roger alone can. It was sheer audacity on the Championship point. He had to go for the winner. And the Champion gets the winner. Fourth set Federer. The momentum certainly swung Fedex's way. I felt, it would be a repeat of last year's final.
Federer game can be summarized by some moments of magic and some moments of madness. He can alone produce both the extremities in his pursuit to finish the point quickly. In contrast, Nadal is more consistent, has more perseverance and makes very few unforced errors. Mind you, I am only talking relatively, comparing two players with outstanding quality. The Tennis played so far is just different quality and no other player or match would even come a mile closer. I felt that the center court was in a different planet all together.
Fedex has a mighty advantage serving first in the fifth set. Thank god, no more tie-breakers. Two sets all, two game all and deuce. What a time for a rain break. I switched off my desktop and opened my laptop and connected the cable hoping for a change of fortune. The game restarted after the rain break. It's getting late. Already 4 hours of Tennis excluding the rain delays. Each player tried hard to hold on and they did. Some amazing points played. It was at 7-7 Finally Nadal broke Fedex's serve. And, he should serve out for the match, the Championship. Through those tense moments and amidst quality Nadal finally defeated the defending Champion and fell to the ground in disbelief, conquering the throne.
A sight that I haven't seen before, a refreshing sign to the world of Tennis, it heralded the emergence of a new Hero, and the beginning of a rivalry on grass. Nadal climbed on to the box and was greeted by this family. He even walked on the commentary box's roof to meet the Prince and Princess of Spain. When he lifted the trophy it was darkness and the photographers shot pics using flash lights. All in all, I felt that I have witnessed one of the best. if not the best, Wimbledon final. A match that was matchless and a match that had a two deserved winners, who are so different in style, physique, game and demeanor but yet two great champions.
P.S: India lost the Asia cup final, which was played parallel to this game, to Srilanka again. Looked silly to give away wickets cheaply to a youngster. But, heck, who cares? :-)
No comments:
Post a Comment