This year's men's final in Wimbledon was the best tennis I have EVER seen. Roger Federer (1) and Rafael Nadal (2) were so evenly matched that it was impossible not to be riveted.
Never before have I felt so torn about who I wanted to win. At first I was all about Federer. He seems like a really great guy and he speaks five languages — how hot is that? As the number one player in the world (since like February 2004!) he is on his way to breaking a number of Pete Sampras' records, such as number of Wimbledons, years finished at number one and Grand Slam titles. So I clearly wanted him to win (I cannot stand Pete Sampras).
Then there is irresistible Rafael Nadal who apologized to Federer for beating him so soundly at the French Open. His energy and powerful performances every time he takes to the court make it impossible to not want him to win. And I have no idea why he chews his trophies but it makes me smile/laugh every time I see him do it. Therefore, I clearly wanted Rafa to win.
At the beginning of the match, I just wanted it to go on as long as possible. I had no idea it would last for five hours (approximate playing time)! Three rain delays, two tie-breaks, Rafa was up the Federer fought back. Again and again they proved the men's tennis is not becoming stale due to the new technology.
Like many tennis fans, I was concerned that the rackets were taking over the game. A lot has changed in tennis since the start of the "Open Era." Rackets are much more powerful and player are more fit, which is kind of ironic. For a while the men's game was just about power and that's not an entirely bad thing. For women, it was great because as the men's game got less interesting people turned to watch the women. Women's tennis is the most watched women's sport and viewership for women's matches beats that for the men.
The sport needs some changing, however. It would be nice to give the player more time between the French Open and Wimbledon and the season is way too long. Some more thought also needs to go into how the women are ranked and they should play the best of five sets in the Slams. In case you are wondering, the men play best of three matches in all non-Slam tourneys.
On Sunday none of that mattered. The world's two best players proved that their game can be as exciting as ever. With any luck there will be many more of these matches in the coming years. Oh, and it is just impossible for me to root against Rafa. My head might have wanted Federer to win but my tennis heart belongs to Nadal. Go Rafa, GO!!!
AlysonChadwick.com 