End-to-end, fast-paced action. A young underdog pitted against the proven superpower. A strong European presence.
We’re talking about this year’s Stanley Cup Final, right?
Wrong.
Although the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Playoffs regularly tops my summer sports highlight list, I must say that my Red Wings’ victory has been usurped by the Wimbledon finals.
Let me begin by saying that I am not a tennis fan by any stretch of the imagination. I have never exhibited any interest in the sport—not even on a casual basis. However, when I sat down with my mom to watch TV yesterday, things changed.
Mother dearest was watching the engagingly brilliant match between favorite Roger Federer and rival Rafael Nadal, who was fresh off a win at the French Open. My first instinct was to snatch the remote control from my unsuspecting mom and change the channel to something a little more entertaining, a little manlier.
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My mom resisted, and I was stuck watching Wimbledon. Much to my surprise, I was instantly hooked.
Despite my major tennis ineptitude, I quickly picked up the storyline on both Federer and Nadal. They were pretty much ranked internationally Nos. 1 and 1A, and the Wimbledon match certainly proved as such.
The action, like most tennis matches, had the ball going back and forth, back and forth. Just when I thought either competitor was beat, one came through with a spectacular backhand or forehand.
The rhythm of the match hypnotized while its intensity intoxicated. My Sunday errands were put on hold to watch this masterpiece. I was glued to my couch for hours, stressing over close calls and Nadal’s health.
My knowledge of tennis lacked, but basic concepts temporarily made sense as this war raged on. Rain moved in and it was time for an intermission. I went out, ran my errands, and rushed back home for the final act.
The battle waged on, as Federer came from behind to force a fifth set. The rhythm resumed with increased urgency and intensity. Back and forth. Back and forth.
Finally, Nadal broke through. Once Nadal won the match, he collapsed to the ground, paralyzed with emotion. The same chills I got when the Red Wings won the Cup returned for a midsummer visit. I, too, was paralyzed with emotion.
I never knew tennis could bring such excitement or glory to my home. This match opened my eyes to a sport I once found mundane. I have garnered a new respect for tennis and its competitors.
Rafael Nadal won Wimbledon, and tennis won me.
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2 months ago
Tennis won you?
What makes you think you are a prize that tennis should be ecstatic to have now?
Haha naw it was a nice article.
2 months ago
i love this article. Great job. Its always great to find new inspirations, and often it comes from places you would least expect. I am a huge tennis fan and appreciate that a new fan of our sport has been born in you.
2 months ago
i grew up watching connors and bjorg play and loved tennis and just the last couple of years got back into it again. it was the most amazing tennis game i've ever seen and i respect federer more now and once thought of him as a snobby snot... :) they both are great players and handle loss well.
about 1 month ago
That's a lovely article. I like it! Well done. Keep it up.
US Open is on next month (end of August). Remember to watch that!
about 1 month ago
any coach of a defending champion, no matter what the sport, should show their teams this match to see how a champion fights to keep what is his. even though he lost, federer showed the fight of a champion to rally to a 5th set and nearly keep his string of wimbledon titles alive. he left it all out there and even when he seemed down and out he fought back and made sure if he lost that nadal would have to beat the best and take the crown from him. great article
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