Triumph After Disaster

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.

 

the final four: Oz Championships, the fellas

I’ll admit, I really don’t want to know what’s going on in Rafael Nadal’s mind right now. Is it just a jumble of bad memories and regret? Or is it an endless stream of fury and point scenarios? What does someone do when they are facing an opponent who has defeated him or her six straight times? SIX.

This time last year, Novak Djokovic was preparing himself for the final against Andy Murray. No one knew that his subsequent victory against Murray would be the launch pad for a furious assault on the number one ranking. Even though history will determine that Novak’s 2011 was one of the best performances in the Open Era, it wasn’t much fun to watch it happening. Especially, since my favorite player was on the receiving end of so many defeats. It looks as if Djokovic hasn’t lost any steam in 2012. Before his five set semi-final victory over Andy Murray, Novak had only lost one set in the tournament.

So how will the final play out? Some people like to listen to a song over and over and over again. Others get quickly tired of the same tune and want to change the dial. The thing is, does Rafa have the wherewithal to do just that?  Judging from his last couple of matches, he can. After a scare with his knee and previous shoulder issues, he’s been serving and moving quite well. The real test is going to be between his ears.  Can he push away those dark thoughts? Can he tap into those mental toughness reserves?

We’ll just have to see. All those previous defeats haven’t been easy on Nadal’s fans either. The sense of trepidation that this final could turn out to be like the others  isn’t unwarranted. A victory for Nadal could very well hinge on hope and luck more than good groundstrokes and easy serves.

I’ll set my tent in the hope and luck camp.

Reluctant Rebel With a Real Cause

I woke up today to the buzz over Rafael Nadal’s pre-tournament press conference. In it, he criticizes Federer for basically keeping up that status quo and criticizing players who speak out for change. ”For him it’s good to say nothing. Everything positive. ‘It’s all well and good for me, I look like a gentleman,’ and the rest can burn themselves”, Nadal is quoted as saying during the Spanish portion of his presser. He also warned that there may be, “strong action” if changes aren’t made, but he was no longer interested in being in the forefront because he feels as if he is the lone person complaining publicly.

This divide isn’t new. For months, the rift between the two most recognizable and respected athletes in tennis had been reported. When the ATP was in search of a new head, Nadal wanted tour veteran Richard Krajicek to take the helm whereas Federer wanted someone with more business experience. Nadal favors a two year ranking system, Federer does not. Nadal wants a shorter season with less play on hardcourts, Federer is fine with the schedule as is. The two even met during the World Tour Finals to hammer out some of their differences. From Nadal’s comments, not much was accomplished. For now we are left with a frustrated No. 2 , a complacent No. 3 and a tour in flux.

Nadal says he’s not alone in his stance and there is evidence to show that. No. 4 ranked player, Andy Murray has complained in the past as well as American stalwart, Andy Roddick. Former players, coaches and commentators have all stated that the season is too long and the injuries are too numerous. Tennis fans all over the net have railed against the wonky decisions from the Powers That Be. The failure of the ATP and the ITF to address these issues have indeed become a mountain instead of a molehill.

The reactions I have read are split. Nadal fans are in full support of their man. Federer fans think their guy is right. The tennis press in a rare attempt to seem neutral have attempted to outline both sides of the argument, but they can’t help themselves from making this another chapter in the FEDAL wars. The thing is, Nadal’s concerns run deeper than a tiff with Federer. Depending on how you feel, this is really about the tennis tour as it is now versus how it’s going to be in the future. It’s more than just a multi-millionaire athlete speaking from a place of self interest. This is about the long term survival of the tour. Nadal is addressing a wide range of problems: from the length of the tour, to revenue sharing, to player representation, to the opportunities of lower ranked players to make a living.

That’s not to say that I agree with everything Nadal says. I’m no blind stan. I do support his right to say whatever he feels though without making himself or the tour look bad. I do wish that the other players who feel the same will support him and turn all this talk into action. I’m also interested in Federer’s response to all of this. Yes a Grand Slam tournament is about to start but this shit is important. I don’t give a damn if there’s a ripple in the Federer/Nadal bromance, these issues need to be addressed.

In short, the Emperor is losing his jacket and nobody puts Baby Rafa in a corner.

Fight the Power!

Wish List

Now that the brackets have been analyzed to death and the predictions have been made, let me show you what I would like to happen at the Australian Open 2012:

REPEAT!!!

Rafa: A review

As any Rafael Nadal fanatic will know, his birthday is June 3rd, 1986 which makes him a Gemini. The sign of the twins, it connotes a duality of the spirit and mind. This particular Gemini is no exception. Tennis fans as aware of Nadal’s fierce persona on court as they are of his reserved one off the court. To me, this was the central theme of the book: Nadal’s ability to meld the two extremes within the existence of the chaotic world of professional tennis.

The book begins with Nadal giving a play by play of his 2008 win over Roger Federer at Wimbledon. Called by many as the greatest match ever played, it was interesting to hear first hand his thoughts on that epic match. To him, the match was a culmination of all the work, the sacrifices, the disappointments, and the struggles he has endured in his career. As he relayed each point and each game to the reader, one gets a sense that it was always more about proving to himself that he deserved to win this coveted prize rather than to anyone else.

I have to say this these were not the most compelling parts of the book, in my opinion. I was more intrigued by his and his family’s details of his many insecurities. I was gripped by the the willingness of Nadal and those around him to strip the warrior facade bare and reveal a man who in spite of his calm demeanor, is in constant battle with his fears. Fear of injury, fear of a lack of confidence, fear for his family’s safety and security, fear of dogs, the dark, and loneliness. I was so interested in  learning about all the various coping mechanisms he employs in order to deal with these various fears. His acknowledgement that his overwhelming need to control his environment in every capacity in order to function along with his family’s and team’s willingness to give him that control, was fascinating to me.

That’s not to say that he is a piteous creature. He isn’t. All throughout the book, he comes across as grounded, sensitive, and good natured. Nadal is truly a blessed individual. Not only is he an innately talented athlete but he was able to thrive in a ideally supportive environment. True, many successful athletes do. The difference is, Nadal makes a point to express how grateful he is for this. In a world filled with narcissistic and entitled athletes, Nadal is a rarity. He points to each member of his family and support group as playing a part in his success. Yes, other athletes give shouts out too. However, you really get a sense that Nadal actually means it.

Naturally, the most praise and the most criticism is reserved to the most central figure in his life, his uncle and coach Toni Nadal. Toni Nadal is portrayed as both professor and provocateur. Zen master and Antagonist. Reading through the torturous training methods and the psychological warfare Toni Nadal inflicted on his nephew, one had to wonder how and why did Rafa Nadal turn out to be so good? Why did he accept it? What kept Rafa from rebelling? The answer was given by Toni Nadal himself, “because he would.” It was a deep and unshakable trust molded by culture and clan that indeed allowed Toni to do what he did and have it work. I think tennis fans looking back and ahead will probably never find a more intriguing and complex coaching relationship.

What lingered with me after I read the last few sentences of the book late into the night was that I was fortunate to get a glimpse of a deeply complex individual who fights constantly to follow a simple life philosophy: Work hard, stay humble, and success will come to you. Credit goes to John Cain for his nimble phrasing and the admirable ability to weave a tight narrative throughout the book. It could have easily been a real snooze had he not interspersed life lessons and anecdotes within Nadal’s recitations of his most significant matches. This is not the book to find hot gossip on his rivals or friends. There are no sexy revelations or hilarious stories of rule breaking or rebellion. It’s just a book about a young man. A young man gifted with a mind and game that millions would dream of having, recalling what helped him win the most important match of his life and what it has meant to him.

This fan was satisfied.

The Power of 7

Rafael Nadal won his record setting 7th Monte Carlo title today beating compatriot David Ferrer in straight sets. No other player in the Open era has won 7 consecutive titles. They should just start calling it the, “Rafael Nadal Open”.

No Slam, No Cry.

The quest is over. It was derailed by injury. So for now, history will remain as it is. Some things did change though. Many more people became admirers of Rafael Nadal because of his classy and graceful post match press conference. Although he struggled to compose himself, he gave no excuses nor did he lament his fate. He accepted the hand that was dealt to him and credited his opponent for a match well played.

 

“If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster, and treat those two impostors just the same.”–Rudyard Kipling

Words and Numbers

The first week of the Australian Open is over and there are several words/ terms that come to mind when describing how it went:

• 16-14 -The score in the third set of the most epic battle in women’s tennis in quite some time. Svetlana Kuznetsova and Francesca Schiavone fought for over 3 hours in that set. Kuznetsova had 6 match points, but couldn’t put away the crafty Italian. This was no Isner/Mahut redux. The rallies were fierce and both women were at their peak. It’s only the 3rd week in the new year, but this match will definitely be on the “Best Matches of The Year” list at the end of the season.
• Psosas-The part of Venus’ body that was injured during her 2nd round match. She battled back and won but had to retire in the next round. Tennis fans were checking Dictionary.com in droves to figure out if they had a Psosas too.
• Wonderland Dress-The name of the monstrosity that Venus Williams wore during her 2nd round match. Funny though, most folks were calling it, “Nightmare”.
• Busted Racket- No, that’s not the name of the Yahoo tennis blog, it’s what happened to Agnieska Radwanska’s racket during her match with Kimiko Date. During the previous point, Radwanska banged her Babolat racket on the court in frustration. During the next game when trying to return a shot, the head literally exploded and flew off.  Her dumbfounded expression was the favorite of silly .gif makers for days.
• Rafa Slam-A term much bandied about but successfully bunted away by Rafael Nadal. If he wins the Aussie Open, he’ll be the first man in over 40 years to hold all Major titles consecutively. Nadal assured the world that he’s not obsessed with accomplishing that feat and politely let the press know that they needed to, “Get off that”- Not that they are listening though.
• 6-0- The 5th set  score of the match between Fernando Verdasco and Janko Tipsarevic. Verdasco was down and out in the 3rd set, but thanks to one of the most monumental chokes of recent memory by Tipsarevic, he was able to battle back. 3 match points bungled and Janko was nothing more than a ghost in that final set. No doubt, that loss will haunt him for a very long time.
• Boobs- Aussie commentator Todd Woodbridge just couldn’t help himself when he sent a text to fellow Aussie player Renee Stubbs which included his opinion of Kim Clijster’s recent demeanor. He suggested that she was pregnant because she,” looked grumpy and her boobs were bigger”. Stubbs of course, being a good friend (and an instigator), showed Kim the text and she called Todd out on it during her post match interview with him. It was 2 parts funny and 1 parts awkward, but made for some compelling viewing. The lesson from this: Be careful what you text, and don’t show anything to Renee Stubbs.
• Dead spots-The world is fully up on the news about the massive floods in Australia. The city of Melbourne has been fortunate so far in that it hasn’t received the brunt of the rains, unlike Queensland. It has had it’s share and as a result, the extra water has wrecked a tiny bit of havoc on the courts. Several dead spots have appeared on the show courts because the seepage into the Plexicushion used to cover the courts. Bubbles were formed and viola, balls dying on the court like Arkansas Starlings. Luckily, Aussies know how to use drills too and the problems were fixed.
• 18- The number of five set matches that Mardy Fish lost before triumphing in his 1st rd match at the Australian. An awesome feat, and in my opinion was partly due to his new love affair with full sized socks. Unfortunately, the good times were short lived, Mardy was bounced in the next round and is reported to be suffering from a thyroid problem.

Can’t wait to see what next week brings.

Tennis Hack and Cough

So much tennis going on, I’m feeling dizzy but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

• After serving a bagel yesterday, Rafa Nadal was fed one by Lukas Lacko. Nadal managed to pull out the win and keep a lung, although he tried he darndest to cough it up in the 3rd set. Surprisingly, he went out a few hours later and won his doubles match. During the presser, Nadal said that he was suffering from a fever and was on antibiotics. Let’s hope for a quick recovery. The Aussie Open starts in 8 days.
• Roger Federer struggled a bit against his countryman Marco Chiudinelli, but he managed to win and book a date with Victor Troicki. And he didn’t hit a tweener this time.
• Maria Sharapova was defeated by 31-year-old veteran Greta Arn today in Auckland. I’m not quite ready to bring up the “y” word (YIPS), but it’s apparent that she still has serving issues. Richard Gasquet keeps on disappointing everyone, and Kuznetsova had yet another inexplicable loss.
• Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic continue to frolic and have fun at Hopman Cup.

bagels, tweeners, and upsets

The first real full day of tennis brought the following:

• A feverish Rafael Nadal made himself feel better by serving a bagel to Karol Beck in his first round match at Doha
• Earlier,  Roger Federer performed another tweener to delighted audiences who pretended that he hadn’t done it before. It’s still impressive that he can seemingly do that at will.
• Fernando Verdasco and his new racket are out in Brisbane. If he wants to know how successful a player can be when they switch sticks in mid-career, he can ask Ivan Lubijic.
• Sam Stosur-bounced. Dinara Safina-bounced (no surprise). Marin Cilic-bounced (the surprise was in who did the bouncing-Kei Nishikori. Remember him?).
• Bernard Tomic put his wildcard hopes for the Aussie Open in further jeopardy by losing to Florian Mayer.
• The U.S. continues to roll in Hopman Cup. I smell a hot and crackling match up with Serbia who is also undefeated. The pairing of Novak Djokovic and Ana Ivanovic is just too cute for words.