Thoughts and Non Thoughts

He caught Federer on one of the Swiss's best days at the Australian Open Finals. That third set tiebreak was tennis of the highest quality. But he'll have his time. Wimbledon perhaps?

Too bad for Andy Roddick. He deserved to win the Wimbledon Championship as much as Federer. After a record-breaking (and heartbreaking for Roddick) 30 games in the 5th set, Federer prevailed in the late summer evening sun. The championship was Roddick's had he converted his 6-2 lead in the 2nd set tie-breaker. A 2-0 set lead would have been too hard to overcome, specially with the way Roddick was serving all night. Somehow Federer stole the set, and the match turned into a battle of stamina and consistency in the homestretch. Federer deserves the win after holding Roddick at bay the whole night, and his service game served him well. With the win, he sets a new record for most Grand Slam championships. He is ranked number 1 now, but the shadow of Rafael Nadal looms large and long as the shadows on Center Court. He has the numbers, but he may have to beat Nadal on the same court if he is to erase any lingering doubt that he is the better, if not the best, player today. The greatest o...

Federer was teary-eyed, obviously emotional after playing well and coming so close. He did play a better game against Nadal this time compared to their previous match-ups, keeping close to the baseline and avoiding being thrown off-court by Nadal's angles. He also picked up the ball earlier. He clearly prepared for this match. But Nadal's athleticism just was too much. It is true what they said, that you have to win a point three times against him. Federer was clearly good enough to do it, but he had a couple unforced errors too many in the final set. I can still see Federer able to beat Nadal in another grand slam, maybe Wimbledon or the US Open, but he would have to play extraordinarily well and Nadal would have to be caught in one of those rare times when he is not at his best. Federer made a rare display of emotion. It means he still has the drive to prove himself the better man. He did promise the Rod Laver arena that we will see him next year. I hope so.

It was a great display of tennis mastery. The Australian Open couldn't have produced a better Final. Gonzalez was good, but Federer showed why he is ten times a Grand Slam champion. This Final, more than any other, has truly convinced me of the greatness of Federer's tennis.

A friend called this match The Beauty and the Beast. Another friend said that more men are now watching women's tennis after Sharapova came into the scene. But unlike Kournikova who displayed more than played, Sharapova is a true champion. Anyway Serena displayed great tennis to win the Australian Open. It was a magnificent display to watch.