Monday, July 7, 2008

No Bark With His Bite

Many experts in the world of professional tennis hold that Roger Federer is the greatest player ever to swing a racket. He has won many Grand Slam titles on various surfaces (not clay, however)and notably, had won the last five Wimbeldon championships. Yesterday, Federer lost at Wimbeldon in the longest, most grueling final in Centre Court history. The victor was his arch rival, the young talent Rafael Nadal, who has been Federer's nemesis on clay for years. Nadal is the new king and deserves the title. As to be expected, Federer did not relinquish the title without a fight. Down two sets to nil, RF fought back, winning the next two sets 7-6 and ultimately went down 7-9 in the final, fifth set. It was such a final, so compelling and historic that John McEnroe, in a post-match interview, spontaneously hugged Federer, thanked him for all of the tennis world and appeared to shed a tear or two. Poor Roger looked like someone just gave him a wedgie.

Yet, Federer allowed the hug. Of this there is no dispute, he is the most humble, gracious and nicest world champion in sports. Federer is all class. His post-match comments contained no excuses. He acknowledged that Nadal was the better man that day. He admitted that he gave everything he had and had come up short. He admiited that it hurt to lose in this way. Nonetheless, in epic defeat, Federer held his second place trophy up to the crowd with a proud look on his face. When McEnroe asked Roger if, looking back, he could take some solace in the fact that he had played and lost in the greatest Wimbeldon final ever, Federer admitted that he could.

Can you imagine how an American would have responded to that question? Moreover, how would an American coach or player have responded to Federer's answer? My guess is that many would ridicule and diminish Federer for making such a revelation. That is the American way. Woof, wail and blame. We throw sportsmanship and grace out the window for the bullshit facade and posturing first displayed by professional wrestlers, as if Federer's response and actions in defeat were a sign of weakness. As you know, there is nothing worse in America than being nice. I will mention also that Nadal was wonderful in victory, a true champion and sportsman. It was a glorious ending to a championship. And a lesson on sport.

There is word that Brett Favre might return. Lots of words. Ugh. When you go, stay gone. Bad sign when you cry like a bitch during your retirement press conference. Translation-Means your not ready to go. Dumb ass.

1 comment:

Beth said...

I spent the entire weekend in Packer-country. Guess what we talked about?