Finalist
It was the epic that most tennisheads expected. It was also the result that most tennis pundits predicted as well. This isn’t going to be some desultory post about the loss. For sure I’m disappointed. But knowing how hard Rafael Nadal fought for nearly 6 hours, and how well he handled himself during the trophy presentation and his post-match press conference, I feel an incredible sense of pride.
There were no tears. There were no recriminations. He didn’t wallow in his defeat. Instead, he praised his part in making more tennis history. He remarked how he actually lives for the, “suffering” (we Nadal fans know all about suffering). In essence, moments like those are the reason why he plays tennis. Who can’t but admire that attitude? Hearing that just makes me look forward to seeing him on the court again very soon.
The fire is there. The passion is just as intense as it ever was. Although Djokovic fans can gloat now, they know that the victory was by no means easy. These two will meet again and the result will be different. This I know. I know because Nadal said so. I have no reason to doubt him. It’s not often that one derives an important life lesson from a tennis match. I learned one last night. It is this; no matter what the odds are, you go on and keep fighting. You may not get the result you desire, but you shouldn’t be ashamed of your effort if you put everything you have in it.
Nadal did just that. All I can say is, Job well done.
