I am not a tennis expert. I don't know the names of all the shots, I can't quote statistics by heart and I'm unable to make technical remarks on a player's performance. That said, I love tennis. I genuinely enjoy watching it. It's one of the most beautiful sports there is.
That means I can't not love Roger Federer. Tennis is a beautiful sport, but when the Swiss king is on court he takes it to a whole new dimension. He plays beautifully - and the fact that his style is not only beautiful but also effective is what makes him so incredibly special. Not to mention his humility, class and impeccable sportsmanship.
There's no need to say how tough 2008 has been on Federer and his fans, despite 8 being his favourite number. He has been losing and playing badly most of the season - although every now and then there is a backhand slice or a fantastic forehand that show you the real Roger is still there, just hidden. But it was painful to watch him these last few months. Because he lost, because he played badly and especially because he didn't look happy on court. I even thought something might be happening in his personal life to make him look so depressed. There was something about a mononucleosis, of which he was apparently healed after the Australian Open, but it didn't stop the downfall. What was wrong? Maybe he was just tired, bored, fed up. He's only human after all.
Federer is going to lose his #1 spot tomorrow, after 237 weeks, an all-time record he will probably hold for a very long time. I feared that after missing the 6th consecutive Wimbledon title and losing in the quarterfinals at the Olympic tournament, he would announce his retirement. He didn't seem to be enjoying tennis anymore, he was already filthy rich and he was having a terrible season. A combination that has been fatal many times before.
And then there's Nadal. The player Federer couldn't beat even on his golden days. A player who seems ready to take over the rankings the way the Swiss did 4 and a half years ago. Which, let's face it, would be a shame. Nadal's game is certainly effective, but it doesn't hold a candle to the aesthetic beauty of Federer's game. That's why I hope and, maybe against the odds, believe we are not about to witness the long reign of the sweaty Spaniard who picks his underwear before every serve. I believe Federer will rise again to prevent that.
How can I think that after this season? Because of yesterday afternoon - yesterday evening in Beijing. Federer finally won, but more than that, he was happy. Not only after the match, with the medal on his chest, but also during the match. While he and Wawrinka were playing, he seemed to be enjoying the game in a way I haven't seen him do in a long time. Tomorrow he's losing his #1 spot, but yesterday he was happy. Maybe that fun, pressureless ride with his mate Stan and the gold medal that crowned it were just what the doctor ordered.
Congratulations Roger and Stan. That was awesome.
