It was 9:45 10ish. Or maybe 10:30. I don’t remember what the exact time was. Doesn’t matter though. Because the moment of glory was captured in my heart forever. “Game..Set..Match..Federer..7-6,4-6,7-6,2-6,6-2”, announced the chair umpire as the rousing applause from the packed-to-capacity Centre Court continued. The television showed an emotional Roger Federer falling to the grass, cradling his face in the palms of his hands, tears coursing down his cheeks. He had done it. Again. It took a while coming this time than usual but when it did come, he was overcome with child-like emotion. Like two long-lost lovers reuniting after separation can’t express what they feel for each other and end up crying in each other’s arms. That’s how much he loves Wimbledon. That’s how much he loves to go there and win year after year. That’s why we all love him so much. For that and a lot more.
The match was a closely-fought contest in which both players produced some exquisite tennis. Nadal, true to his never-say-die warrior attitude, tested Federer to the hilt. Rarely had Federer been pushed and made to work hard in the green lawns of Wimbledon. Previous finals here have been grotesquely lop-sided affairs with Federer Express making short work of otherwise worthy opponents. But this time, he wouldn’t have it easy. He had to call upon every ounce of his champion’s spirit to claim his prize. And he did just that. And deservingly pocketed a fifth straight crown equaling another legend Bjorn Borg in the process. Bets on Federer eclipsing Borg next year?? My money’s on Roger already!
This year’s final was different for me too. Instead of watching it in the cozy milieu of my home as I do every year, I found myself hundreds of miles away from home sitting on a wonky chair in the Hostel mess watching the proceedings on the common TV. The mess was choc-a-bloc with tennis enthusiasts. Soon enough, the polarity of the player allegiances became apparent. Every play and every great stroke was greeted with shouts of “Shottttt!!!!” and rapturous applause by the respective fans section. There were also a few “non-fans” who were enjoying the spectacle. It was pleasantly surprising to find beautiful people in the audience cheering on their favourite player (which coincidentally happened to be Roger). Whoever said women are not into sport!! As the match wore on, the tension in the air seemed to get heavier. Federer fans oohed and aahed and anguished every time the champion played an easy shot into the net or Nadal thumped a winner past him. As they went into the deciding final set, almost everyone in the room was on the edge of their seats. And finally, the tension melted when Fedex broke Nadal in the 6th game to go 4-2 up. From then, we all knew it was a matter of time. Except maybe a few of the Nadal fans who were hoping for a miracle turnaround. But it wasn’t to be. History was to repeat itself. For a fifth straight time. The God of all things Tennis was to retain His most-cherished possession. And He shall Reign Forever…
The match was a closely-fought contest in which both players produced some exquisite tennis. Nadal, true to his never-say-die warrior attitude, tested Federer to the hilt. Rarely had Federer been pushed and made to work hard in the green lawns of Wimbledon. Previous finals here have been grotesquely lop-sided affairs with Federer Express making short work of otherwise worthy opponents. But this time, he wouldn’t have it easy. He had to call upon every ounce of his champion’s spirit to claim his prize. And he did just that. And deservingly pocketed a fifth straight crown equaling another legend Bjorn Borg in the process. Bets on Federer eclipsing Borg next year?? My money’s on Roger already!
This year’s final was different for me too. Instead of watching it in the cozy milieu of my home as I do every year, I found myself hundreds of miles away from home sitting on a wonky chair in the Hostel mess watching the proceedings on the common TV. The mess was choc-a-bloc with tennis enthusiasts. Soon enough, the polarity of the player allegiances became apparent. Every play and every great stroke was greeted with shouts of “Shottttt!!!!” and rapturous applause by the respective fans section. There were also a few “non-fans” who were enjoying the spectacle. It was pleasantly surprising to find beautiful people in the audience cheering on their favourite player (which coincidentally happened to be Roger). Whoever said women are not into sport!! As the match wore on, the tension in the air seemed to get heavier. Federer fans oohed and aahed and anguished every time the champion played an easy shot into the net or Nadal thumped a winner past him. As they went into the deciding final set, almost everyone in the room was on the edge of their seats. And finally, the tension melted when Fedex broke Nadal in the 6th game to go 4-2 up. From then, we all knew it was a matter of time. Except maybe a few of the Nadal fans who were hoping for a miracle turnaround. But it wasn’t to be. History was to repeat itself. For a fifth straight time. The God of all things Tennis was to retain His most-cherished possession. And He shall Reign Forever…
