The Australian Open'09
Wow........I just finished witnessing the most memorable display of tennis for a long long time (( six months is a long time when you are a tennis buff )). Australian Open. The first Grand Slam of the year, and what an event it was.
Fifteen days (( yes, it wasn’t fourteen days, the men's singles finale went past midnight, so technically it counts as a new date and day )) of the best tennis that we were all witness to. Many congratulations to all the winners and commiserations to those who could not make it to the winners’ podium this year. (( mind you, there are no losers here )).. Each one who makes the cut to play is a winner in his/her own right.
The heat of Melbourne, could not recede the frivolity and enthusiasm of the extravaganza. Each and every point, won or lost, was cheered (( and jeered at times )) on in the same vein. In events like these, it never is about the players, but is always about the willpower, dedication, practice and perseverance that go on to the making of a champion. It is every players dream to be at the top of the ladder, to have perfection in every shot he plays, to be unassailable and yet be publicly admired, be a peoples’ champion, yet only a few achieve the ultimate goal.
Sport is a great leveler, one day you win and be the talk of the town, the next day you end up on the wrong side and face the wrath of one and all.
During these trying times Self belief and Confidence taking a beating, but what differentiates great players from good players is their drive for greater glory and hunger for betterment.
This years’ event left sweet-bitter memories for all the ardent fans and critics alike. Fed Ex ( Roger ) played some very good tennis until he fell into the way of the juggernaut of Rafa ( Nadal ). His dream for the 14th Grand slam title, would have to wait a bit longer, maybe till the next tournament. Let me not take away anything from him. He is a true champion and is bound to hit back at his detractors. (( Maybe next time when I blog about the Open, he already would have done that )). He still has enough in him to overtake PISTOL Pete as the most decorated player in the history of the game.
Rafael Nadal ( a.k.a Rafa a.k.a the Matador of Melbourne ), what an year he has had. Trophies at the Roland Garros, the Wimbledon, the Numero Uno ranking , Olympic Gold medal and now the Australian Open crown. At the moment he seems like General Maximus Decimus Meridius, the invincible. He has settled into the new order of World tennis like a duck takes to water.
Then there were the others, warriors who fell at different stages after promising starts, be it Roddick, Verdasco, Murray or Djokovic. Some made their mark and others just disappointed.
The Ladies section too began on a promising note but was thrown open after the exit of many top seeds. The crown was up for grabs and Serena powered her way to the title. It was sheer power and brutality on her part that blew Dinara Safina in the finals. Jankovic, Venus, Ana and Jelena fell early in the battleground for supremacy.
The Indian Connection
Closer, at home, there was some cheer too. Mahesh and Sania went on to win the Mixed Doubles title and Yuki Bhambri got the U-16 Boys crown. Hesh, however had to settle for the runners up tag in the men’s doubles, where he and partner Knowles were taken to task by the Bryan bros. Lee ( Paes ) lost in the semis after a fighting display.
===============================================================================================================
Epilogue
I have a wager going on with my flat mate and friend Tapan, and am quite content having already won a part of it. He rooted for roger to win, but then Nadal had other ideas and so did I. I’ll disclose the other part of the wager as things unfold in the near future.
Better luck next time, Tapan.
Hopefully Wimbledon proves to be Roger’s elusive slam number 14 though their still are the clay courts of Rolland Garros to conquer.
Roger’s emotional outburst at the presentation ceremony today moved quite a few hearts and I do confess, mine was one of them.
