Tennis: Wimbledon Showcases What Is Right In Sports

We were treated to one of the most entertaining and thrilling Wimbledons in recent history.  Yes, the men’s final was the most competitive and dramatic match in the history of the sport, because of the quality of the match and what was at stake.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal left everything and more on Centre Court, and it was truly a shame that someone had to lose.  Nadal took control of the match early with his penetrating forehands and went up two sets to none. 

It looked like he would win in straight sets as Federer wasted break point after break point.  Federer would show that he not only had the skill to overcome any challenge on his favorite surface, but he also showed he had the mental toughness necessary for a champion to deal with his No. 1 nemesis.

After two tie-breaks, one in which Federer was down five to two, it was two sets apiece, but Nadal’s resolve would not diminish.  Rafa’s toughness would not allow him to wilt under the pressure the five-time champ would inflict.

He would not allow Federer to break his serve over the final three-plus sets, which was really the difference in the match.

Both men showed unbelievable mental fortitude that most athletes in other sports don’t possess, and neither would choke.

This match showcased the best professional tennis had to offer, and proved that Federer and Nadal should be in the conversation when we talk about the best athletes in the world.

Not only do they have the skill that comes from being trained in their craft almost every day from their youth, but they have something else that most professional athletes don’t: humility and sportsmanship.

Nadal always defers to Federer as No. 1 in the game when asked.  Federer said he tried everything but to no avail, and that Nadal was a worthy champion.

Federer is a class act and represents the sport with dignity and a conservative style that reminds everyone that it is a gentleman’s sport.  Nadal exudes the youthful qualities of a young man that really doesn’t take it for granted what he has achieved.

Even when prodded with questions about his greatness he always says that any of the men in the draw can win, and that it is unbelievable that he has been this successful.

What we have is a rivalry for the ages where they both want to win and re-write history, but respect each other and the game enough not to take verbal shots at each other.  Our athletes today should take a page out of these guys' book.

It’s about being mentally and physically in shape, believing in your abilities, never quitting, and being humble. 

We also remember what Dominick Hrbaty did in his match with Federer as well.  The two are friends, and this was Hrbaty’s last Wimbledon before he retired, so before the last game he broke with tradition and decided to sit next to Federer and chat.  I thought that was a great moment that you don’t normally see.

These guys made people who don’t normally care about tennis stand up and take notice.  Honorable mention goes to Marat Safin and Rainer Schuettler.  No one expected them to get through to the semi-finals.

Adding to the unpredictability of this year's Wimbledon was Novak Djokovic, who, after mouthing off that Federer was done, and that it was his and Nadal’s time, lost in the second round to Safin.

Lost in the weight of the men’s final was the quality of the women’s final between Venus and Serena Williams.  You have to appreciate the fact that we are watching history continually being made, and that this probably will never happen again.

Two sisters, both multiple grand slam champions, Americans, who desperately want more titles before they retire, even at each other's expense.

They are the best tennis has to offer on the women’s side.  Most of the higher-ranked women went out early, most notably Maria Sharapova and the new No. 1,  Ana Ivanovic.

Ivanovic showed in her post-match interview why she will be heard from again.  She knew after her second-round loss she was not mentally ready for what comes with being ranked No. 1, and she pledged to learn from her Wimbledon experience.

She was not too torn up about it, and she handled her second-round exit well.

All in all, this was the most memorable Wimbledon I can remember, and I have seen a lot of them.  I only hope that our American athletes in football, basketball and baseball show the class and respect that Nadal and Federer showed.

They are proof that you can compete with an edge, and even in disappointment teach your peers and younger players how to conduct themselves with true sportsmanship in the heat of the battle.