A Touch of Nerve-Roger Federer

My last post on Federer and Nadal touched quite a few nerves.Some one accused me of being biased against Roger,another stated that Nadal plays like a cow and looks like one and a lot of others merely stated well, they dont want to comment.All these guys are Federer fans believing as so many millions across the globe that their idol is perhaps the greatest of all time.Replying to those comments, yes I am biased against Federer in a way and No..Nadal does not play nor look like a cow from any visible angle .His butt picking habit not withstanding he is one of the hottest tennis stars I know. Though now of course he may come third in that current list after Djokovic and Verdasco.
The reason why I write this post is because I realised that my blog stats soared with the last one but on a more serious tone its because I felt that the last post was incomplete.
so why am I biased against Federer? I started as a federer fan when the Swiss began his career,it was fine until the moment people started hailing him as better than Sampras.That for me was sacrilege.When I heard that, I wondered if it was true and even spent anxious moments . After Sampras had retired I had not seen the sport for 2 years.

Federer was lucky in the sense that he had Agassi in his twilight,Safin all imploded,Roddick not so talented and Hewitt – I am yet to figure out what happened, as his prime opponents.For all their ability these guys do not hold a candle to the kind of opponents that Sampras faced,taking into account of course that Andre was past his best when Federer began to ascend .Sampras is the greatest because he dominated with such imperial authority the most competitive era in men’s tennis.
I still wonder why the media switches its claims so easily.Agassi had called Sampras the best when he lost to him, he later bestowed it on Federer when he lost to him,the same goes for Henman and a host of others who extolled Roger and are now questioning if he will ever win Nadal again.Even Sampras when asked to name his potential successor at the time of his retirement had said it would take the game of Safin and the mental strength of hewitt to dominate as he did.He did not name Roger Federer then.
I am not trying to belittle Federer, I am a fan of the sport and any fan worth his salt will know that Federer is gifted with the most talented all court game that ever was.Better than Nadal? Definitely yes.Better than Sampras? Also a yes.I am only suggesting that he is not the best player at the moment nor is he the best in history.By player here , I mean his ability to win.Talent need not translate into success always.Ask Uncle Toni.
Nothing is wrong with Federer’s game, its the same. There is no perceptible change to it before and after the arrival of a man called Nadal.If Federer could be called GOAT then he must be now too.His game is the same.The only hitch is that Federer is all elegant and grace when he is not challenged,when he is, it falls apart.He has made the same uncharacteristic errors against not only Nadal but also against Murray and Djokovic.
He reminds me of the other supremely talented Swiss ,Martina Hingis.It was painful seeing her come apart against the powerful ground strokes of the Williams,Capritati and Davenport.Her game was Swiss perfection too except her serve that is.But elegance and talent did not withstand the power and athleticism of the Williams.
If you are to go on and call Federer GOAT then it would put us in a quandary with Nadal .What would you call this guy who so thoroughly dominates Federer?
Federer lacks perhaps the one important weapon in his arsenal-the Champion’s Mind.Genius can be outdone by hardwork and dedication.For being focused single mindedly on a goal is genius in itself.Thats why the day Federer stops thinking of everything else apart from winning Nadal, he will do it not once but quite a few times.

Rafa Roars to subdue Federer

Sport seldom witnesses a telling moment as the one we saw today when Federer broke down.Those tears told in short the agonizing moments of frustration,despair and then a sense of loss that this rivalry has meant for federer. They also told what we knew and some feared all along that the story of their rivalry has evolved into one of not equal strengths but one of Federer chasing and Nadal denying every time.
What probably hurt Federer the most was the fact that he was thwarted by an opponent who has stood between him and history with such stubborness and in that greatness time and again that he has been rendered helpless.Nadal was not even hundred percent fit. The last of Federer’s bastion fell today to make it official that the Swiss is now second best to Nadal on every surface and in every aspect of their rivalry.Today when Federer broke down I thought that Roger may never win Nadal if the spaniard is hundred percent fit in a match of high stakes because Federer has lost the mental battle long ago.Its easy to see why.
Nadal is the nightmarish colossus on Federer’s once upon a time sweet run.I have always insisted that Federer was lucky to win so many grand slams because he lacked intense rivalry.Sampras is the greatest not because he dominated its because the who’s who he dominated.Time and again people have seen Nadal as an obstacle on Federer’s path and have continued to write how Federer has to wait a bit more to fend off this challenge.The truth is far from that.Nadal has such a deadlock on Federer that their rivalry itself is to be questioned.They play great matches yes but Federer invariably ends up losing .You dont call that rivalry exactly do you? Its not Nadal who is the fly that Federer has to swat its exactly the other way round.
Today, Djokovic,Murray,Giles all believe they can beat Roger on a given day and not without reason. If Djokovic shows half the determination that Nadal has I dont see Federer winning him at this point either.It would not be right now of all times if Federer is called arguably the GOAT, for if Federer can be called that ,then what would you call Nadal?
We are always fascinated with fairy tales perhaps the reason why we rushed headlong to call Federer GOAT and perhaps the same reason why that people are wondering if its Nadal who will beat Sampras.But GOATs are not scattered across the field in every era.Nadal and Federer are indeed tennis greats and whether Nadal will break Pete’s record is only something that time will tell when the spaniard is past 25, exactly the point of time in Federer’s career when he began to unravel.Grandslams are not easier to win when you are hitting 26 and your opponent is just out of his teens, we saw that with Sampras and are now seeing it with Federer. So,lets wait and watch.

Its not that Federer cant beat Nadal,he very well can but it has to do with accepting the fact that Nadal is the better of the two currently.When he does that then he can chase to beat him with a thirst that sportsmen often display.With Nadal you can only win if you want the slam more than him and have the ability and belief to do so.
Federer has become increasingly bitter over the last year .He has mocked his fellow players,refused to give credit, time and again praised himself for winning over players like Roddick and called himself great.This paints a picture of where Roger is right now.I would rather have federer cry,shout and show a thirst openly than do it surreptiously.This man did not begin his career as Mr.Uber Cool, he was in his earlier days a vibrant personality charged with racquet abuse.Federer will perhaps beat Nadal when he removes these false layers off him and single mindedly pursues not records but Nadal.Its not past him.
For all the accusations of Nadal being defensive , sports is not about how beautifully you play and shake your locks ,its about how well you withstand the grind to win.Its something i have learnt the hard way everytime i saw argentina lose to say,germany or Barca lose over the years.Nadal has also tremendously improved with an ability to switch to an offensive play when required. This man from Mallorca has the heart of a lion, a child and that of gold all rolled into one.He has shown a sense of determination and persistence that will rewrite those very terms’ meanings. As long as his body holds he roars and stands the best. Its a passion unmatched and thats why its time to say Vamos Rafa!

Nadal mauls Federer

Exactly a year back I mentioned that its pretty inconceivable how Roger can come up short against Nadal everytime on clay. There is only one thing i can say about that now, I eat my words.That was a faux pas, something I  realised even before yesterday’s final. Rafael Nadal has been so dominant  to almost to the highest superlative possible this clay court season that its time that we started thinking about the other  GOAT, the one on clay and thats probably a touch easier to answer than the case with federer.

The drubbing that Djokovic took was probably the first indication of the rout that took place in yesterday’s final.I have always believed that Djokovic is closer to dethroning Nadal than Federer has ever been.Yet it was almost ridiculous at times to see Roger fold up. When he played the second set well i wondered for a second what would happen if miraculously Roger goes on to win the title? He would be annointed the best of all time, after that mauling in the first set? That would have been a big shame. Thankfully, that never came even somewhere near close. 

For the first time in three years there was a discernible change going into Sunday’s final. All along people have debated why federer loses to nadal on clay, yesterday it was more like what should he do to win. Nadal was the hot favourite win, and win he did in a ruthless fashion.Its uncharacteristic to see the player most people believe to be the GOAT take a beating like that. Roger is farther from that pantheon now more than ever. Nadal is probably the best world number two in history, who could probably never go on to become number one.

I dont see Nadal upset in clay for a while

Roger Federer will lose at wimbledon before Nadal does on clay.I have an uncanny feeling that this year wimbledon will see a new champion. It would take a monumental effort to quell Federer though, but much less than what it might take to beat Nadal on clay. If Nadal or Djokovic are serious about winning at Wimbledon , this year is the best to herald the change of guard. Roger has looked more vulnerable than he ever has. Mind you, he might still go on to lift the title there, afterall how many times we have seen Sampras do that inspite of an off colour season before and after the grass court championships.

I dont believe that Roger Federer is the GOAT.

For me that belongs to Pete Sampras. Federer is undoubtably more talented with a better all round game than Sampras. But Sampras was more lethal, more effective and perhaps in a match up in their primes Sampras would have won 6 to 7 times out of ten on any surface except clay. The reason for that being is that it was almost impossible to beat him on his serve. No one could, I dont think Roger can. You cant stop a guy from firing down aces down the middle of the court. And opponents prayed that Pete never missed his first serve because his second was better than the first.

The serve  and charge game was so effective that it lead Pete to dominate arguably the most competitive era in men’s tennis.

For roger federer Roland Garros is the holy grail.maybe a federer win there would be like how Ivanesevic won at wimbledon. Unexpected, past his prime.And of course provided miraculously Nadal folds up.(Figure out how thats possible.)

Watch out, by the year end we may have a new world number one and two.

 

The Indian Premier League

Yesterday saw the end of season 1 of  the IPL , which occupied prime time news and captured much of the nation’s imagination for over 45 days.Here’s an account of the memorable journey.

The concept of a T-20 League

Lalit Modi did not have a brain wave he was true to the tradition of the loaded BCCI, in being a prudent opportunist. The BCCI had long resisted the advent of T-20. after all, a 40 over match generates much less revenue than a 100 over one.All that changed with India’s fairytale triumph at the T-20 worldcup and the ICL.

It was time to cash in and the surrogate brain child of Modi was born.ICC cried that it was not being listened to, ECB and CA made vague irrelevant noises about patriotism and dirty lure of money, but the irresistible attraction to the big stage and big bucks finally won.

Test cricket vs T-20

I am an old fashioned cricket fan , who even after 45 days of mad cricket frenzy happens to believe that test cricket holds the key to cricketing greatness but T-20 is an electrifying and gripping form of game next only to test crickrt. i feel we must do off with 50 overs. it no longer makes much sense. What works for T-20 is that its a highly fast paced ardenaline packed 3 hours. Every ball brings with it a possibility and inspite of the huge cries of luck factor being touted, we have seen over the last month or so, cricketing teams master  strategies and implement them to perfection, bowlers coming back strongly, a pattern of consistency emerging and proving to all the sceptics what a great show of talent this can be.

Cricketertainment

The IPL is a heady cocktail of star power,big money and the big quotient of entertainment. it was packaged not as cricket but a form of the game that would entertain a family crowd from 8 to 11 everyday. Thus were skimpily clad cheerleaders imported and bollywood songs  blasted across grounds .

I hate this trivialisation of the game. All salivating people not withstanding lets do away with the cheerleaders and ridiculous jigs. Cricket is the greatest enetertainer, you dont need any ungainly embellishments. I find it degrading to the spirit of sport and all the great players who put up a wonderful show. The girls dont even know when to jump and shake, its more like a circus routine!

City loyalties

i often hear people sounding surprised at the intense fan following that some of the teams have generated, This surprises me afterall we are known for the regionalism that thrives along with the national unity. India is a country with so many distinct sects that its easy to relate to your team and back them.

I started watching the IPL for Chennai Supr Kings a team I like as much , if not  more than the indian team.

Franchisee owners’ great angst

Mallya has railed and ranted, players have hinted and whimpered about ‘ pressure’.The media had many a field day with Rc,SRK,Preity and other tantrum rumours.The question this throws up is , will commercialisation of cricket harm sportsmanship and spirit? Afterall sportsmen are not investment bankers who do the same trusted routine helped with a degree to boost everysame day.Its infact the staright opposite of how a MNC works in some ways. While mangers tend to  minimise the unknown factors and the risks to be taken in the process of decision making, a sportsman is always acutely aware of such a possibility and banks on it even.

Form doesnot come at the press of a button, luck plays a huge part especially in T-20,a captain has to chaperone 11 people, each of whose contribution is equally significant. This infact means the number of things that can go wrong only increases. Weather, pitch, form of opposition players are all different on different days.Add to this the mess that umpires can create, it becomes a sticky problem at hand.

Thats why as we saw yesterday, fortune favours the brave more so in sport than in anyother walk of life.There is nothing very routine about such games, everyday is to be begun afresh, a concept that nevertheless seems to perplex filmstars and corporates alike.

Mallya has been despicable and childish even. No one likes to lose. He could have atleast maintained a dignified silence in front of the media. This reminds me of the infamousbootkick from a highly irate fergusson that hit beckham leaving a bloody cut , some years back. People like Dravid and Kumble deserve better but a part of the problem lies also with players who are willing to compromise for money.

VVS laxman relinquishing icon status is admirable, Dravid could take a leaf out of  there, when you desire more than you deserve you are answerable to people of much less capability.

Chennai Super Kings

This is the team i came to adore and love with a kind of passion that only Indians are capable of. For me, Dhoni is the best captain out there and chennai the best city, i could not have asked for more. Add muralitharan to it and my incentive to become a true CSK fan is complete. Chennai adored its team, we turned up in huge numbers whether we lost or won.Its a team that revolves around its captain much like its oppopnent in the final.

The following part is for all those people especially guys who have asked me if i do weep, get nervous  or wilt under pressure otherwise. Yesterday(Miss Sopay couldnt thwart me seeing the final as most of the pg wanted to do the same) when Ntini was smashed for a four off the last ball of the penultimate over , i knew then the match was over. Hot tears rolled down my cheeks. It susrprised most people around me, but didnt surprise me. I believe in giving went to emotions but try not to get caught.The last time they came down was when Argentina lost to a much loathed Germany in the quarterfinals of the football world cup, and before that when Sampras lost to Federer in Wimbledon. Strangely, i have never been able to fathom why, but tears for me roll down when i am extremely angry or frustarted .It leaves me a bit more calm and composed after that.

 

The final

It couldnt have been better but for the end result. The best team decidedly won and a ravaged Jaipur so deserves this small consolation.Congrats Warnie.

 * image from:http://bp2.blogger.com/_4lEybjSEwmY/SABfjDWcpWI/AAAAAAAABq4/l5jvV28YnUM/s320/superkings.

Henin Retires

Its a bit of a shocker really,Henin retiring at 25.This sort of reminds me of Hingis’ first ‘retirement’ from tennis.Ironically,though Henin Hardenne then  was asked how she feels when people compliment her saying she has the best all round game in women’s tennis very much like Hingis did. Her reply to that bordered on a bit of arrogance,for she said that comparisons were really unnecessary and that she would hate to retire at such a young age as hingis did.Subtly hinting ofcourse that she was better.I never forgave Henin for that ,I was a hingis devotee back then.Even today ,after the drug allegations,the numerous affairs and rumours that have dogged Hingis i still feel she had one of the most well crafted game the women’s tennis has ever seen.That initial dislike about Henin always lingered on.I hated it everytime someone called her the female version of Federer,something i found absurd and rejoiced everytime she lost.It did not help that she backed out of the Australian open finals which had more to do with her losing and less to do with her stomach problems. It was a Grandslam final and French open ,5 months away .Most players would have risked things far more debilitating to win .

I still do not like her much but feel sorry that tennis has lost a wonderfull champion so prematurely.I never grudged her the fact that she was a great player.But now that she is gone the women’s game will all the more become monotonous.Lets hope she decides to return, for the game needs players like her!

 

Welcome Djoka!

Federer in Melbourne looked a bit rusty yet was expected to keep his date on the 27th of January.He probably would have but for a wonderfully talented young Serb called Novak Djokovic.If you have often wondered why great sporting feats are often termed inspiring and never understood ,you would have probably got your answer if watching Djokovic oust Federer and then quell Tsonga. It was much like seeing a gallant young knight take on an old emperor and defeat him.Federer with all his greatness and wondrous ability has always had to contend with the fact that his rivals in tennis do not match upto those that the other great champion called Sampras faced in his prime.Thats why its so refreshing to see a guy who can play and play wonderfully at that to defeat Roger.With an all court game that includes stinging groundstrokes, good volleying and a serve that finds the impossibe angles at the right time combined with great detremination and confidence ,Djoka as he is known has arrived as a breath of fresh air.Hopefully now,we will see Federer challenged by someone worthy enough to do that.Djokovic is not going to win everytime and no can like Roger has,but then he will push,gnaw,ruffle and also beat Federer more often than the champ has been in the past.Federer’s reign is far from over but knocking at twenty seven it does seem its the beginning of the end of a great era of monoply over the game.We can only thank men like Djokovic for that, for sport as such is greater than any individual even if the price for that is a man called Roger Federer.

pic taken from:www.theage.com.au/…/06/07/1181089218758.html

Its Time The Romance Began

Roger Federer made history this weekend and I found an answer to a question that has nabbed at me painfully all along for almost 6 years now.He is such a great champion in every sense and so gracious in wearing that tag that you cannot help but like him or fall in love with his game completely.

Yet all these days I couldn’t get myself to admire him totally.It was more of an adulation with a grudge.Every time someone called him the all time great I writhed and thought about that other champion who once owned the game of tennis like none other-Pete Sampras.for me he is the greatest of them all and to pit Roger against him was a desecration that comes almost with an obsessive worship of Sampras.Sampras I have always believed except on the clay court possessed the most potent game though not the perfect one in the history of tennis.

I had sometime back called Nadal a guy conceivably wothout any  brilliant shot making skills.Thats a terrible faux pas.Probably I must have used the word conspicuously instead in that sentence.I have always believed though that Nadal can win Wimbledon.Now,I believe he can do it before Federer dethrones him as theFrench Open Champion.

So what changed this sunday?When I saw Nadal push Federer in the first two games of the final set,I was hoping for the kind of magic that Sampras produced against Agassi in the 1999 Wimbledon final.Nothing like that happened.Instead I saw a Sampras like serve booming from Roger’s racquet.Thats when I realised, Sampras is without doubt and unassailably the greatest grass court champion of all time.He never let opponents push him on grass in his peak and when they did he scaled a notch higher where no one could reach him.A booming serve was perfunctory with him.

So, now I can start loving Roger as any tennis fan will do.With all the passion and fervour such a champion deserves. Its time the romance began and this from a girl who once had Vamos Rafa tattooed across her arm…

Coming Short Another Time

when federer looked to beat nadal to create history this last sunday most of us wondered if he would get his comeupance.in the end the other man earned his.much has been said about why federer comes short against nadal.its arguably more mental than physical.not that nadal is the gladiator here but its that federer is no more than an artist.for his sanguine take on the loss federer would do better to realise that its precisely this which seperates them.nadal wants it more,it showed federer didnt and that showed too.

its inconceivable for me that one of the all time greats will come short against a guy of no extraordinary shot making skills again and again. maybe its just that federer is so conscios of that which stares at him conspicuously-he is the second best to nadal on clay.on sunday it looked like federer enjoyed his game less and wanted to prove that he was the best rather that he can win the french.

many people have said its possible to become nadal.but more often than not i have realised extra ordinary commitment and willingness to work hard is a great gift of genius in itself.federer may be the great artist but its nadal to whom my heart goes out at end, for its never easy to beat the likes of federer.to do it again and again is a fairy tale in itself.