The Men's Final

[poliphilo]

It was gruelling, and not particularly pretty- like two blokes in a John Ford movie trying to punch one another's lights out. It's always a littlle dull when games keep going with serve. At times I thought Roddick was going to win. He certainly put the work in. Federer, by contrast, hardly seemed to break sweat. In the end it came down to stamina and self belief. They were both tired, but Federer lasted longer. And maybe it's the case that sheer class will always win out over heart.  Roddick has played wonderfully this tournament. After the match he paid tribute to the former champions sitting in the Royal Box- Borg, Laver, Santana, Sampras- and said he hoped he might one day have his name join theirs on the board. If he goes on playing the way he has played this week- against Hewitt, Murray, Federer- I don't see why that shouldn't happen.

Comments

[halfmoon-mollie.livejournal.com]

That last set WILL go down in the annals. I couldn't bear to watch, after the match ended, I didn't want to see anyone stick a microphone in Andy's face after he lost a match in which the two players were so obviously evenly matched. It was one of the very best final matches I have EVER seen.

And, you know, I respect your opinion and all, but I really don't think Mr. Federer has any more or less class than Mr. Roddick. Especially today. There were none of the (former) histrionics that used to almost define Roddick's game. And that last set was 30 games long. 30 games!

I think you're right, though, I do think that Andy Roddick has finally grown into his talent and will one day have his name join those others on the board.

And, doesn't Bjorn Borg look good?

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

By "class" I meant something other than attitude. I mean something more like craft, grace, skill. Federer- at his best- has an uncanny instinct for placing the ball in just the right place. He was tired, he wasn't at his best and yet he outplayed Roddick- who was giving us the match of his life. There's something almost supernatural about Federer's win.

Roddick has an astonishing serve. That- in the past is what has won him matches. But yesterday afternoon Federer served considerably more aces than he did.

As far as attitude goes both men behaved impeccably. Roddick was almost in tears when he faced the microphone at the end- and could have been forgiven a little hard-earned self pity. Instead his first words were "No, I'm one of the lucky ones."

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

PS. Borg looks fantastic.

I love how strong a sense of history tennis has. It was wonderful to see all those former champions there. And particularly moving that Sampras- who hasn't been to Wimbledon since he last played- flew in from California- halfway across the world- especially to watch Federer take his record. Classy guys- all of them!