Rafa, The King of Clay !
Yesterday 8th of June 2008, Rafael Nadal won the historic fourth consecutive French Open title; equalling the feast of Bjorn Borg. What an outstanding achievement in modern tennis era.
What was amazing to see was the manner in which Rafa brought the FedEx fiasco! It is hearting to learn that year by year he is bringing new tricks up his sleeves; thereby making sure that no one is even in the close vicinity when it comes to play on Clay. Yesterday I thought he was light years ahead of Fedderer. I have never seen FedEx so helpless and frustated in any grand slam match.
In my opinion FedEx had lost it even before the beginning of the match ! It can be justified in the way FedEx was trying to built up undesired mental points over Rafa prior to the clash. This I thought was the act compelled more out of desperation; making it very obvious how much he missed this trophy. Another thing which he tried different this time was to put in more efforts up on the net. But both these endeavours were done at the cost of his own peril. He should have been well aware that Rafa is so much so similar to Tendulkar when it comes to replying to his critics and opponents; that is to reply back straight with double the effort not with words but with their play !
From game one Rafa was taming FedEx like never before. It is very unlikely to find any such champion in near future who can match the passion and grit of his. Just an amazing feeling to see him rule the clay. It was as if some artist of the calibre of M.F. Hussain playing with his own colours on his on canvas.
The only other sportsperson who can match the top spin and grip on the turf alike Rafa would be Shane Warne ! So it is not so coincidental that both of them are the champions at their own backyard (Tennis and Cricket). The angle and power which he can generate from any place from his side of the court to the other side, equally with both forehand as well as backhand, is simply marvelous. Add to it the placement and power with grip, spin, accuracy, stamina and foresight. This is Rafa for you. A player with much greater affinity to play from the baseline (alike Agassi); so with all the above virtues it is really not required for him to come on net so frequently. And rightly so he seldom does.
The other factor which makes him a treat to watch is his being a left-hander. In this world dominated by right-handers I think the south-paws bring more flamboyance to the game. And having said that I cannot resist myself from comparing him with the Laras and Gangulys of cricket.
Many a times I was left agape with the sheer power and placement of his double handed backhand. After spending some time on I-net I came to learn that it is to do something with his being 'right-hander' naturally ! Surprising to many I am sure it would sound. But yes he is a right hander by nature but plays tennis with left hand. Much to do with the advice of his coach and uncle Toni. So hats off to uncle Toni and not Sam [for a blissful change] !
I can conclude with one thought for sure that FedEx has once again been unable to achieve his dream but Rafa might achieve his. i.e Rafa I think this time has great chances to topple FedEx to win the Glamorous Wimbledon 2008 !
FedEx, guard your own backyard now !
Yesterday 8th of June 2008, Rafael Nadal won the historic fourth consecutive French Open title; equalling the feast of Bjorn Borg. What an outstanding achievement in modern tennis era.
What was amazing to see was the manner in which Rafa brought the FedEx fiasco! It is hearting to learn that year by year he is bringing new tricks up his sleeves; thereby making sure that no one is even in the close vicinity when it comes to play on Clay. Yesterday I thought he was light years ahead of Fedderer. I have never seen FedEx so helpless and frustated in any grand slam match.
In my opinion FedEx had lost it even before the beginning of the match ! It can be justified in the way FedEx was trying to built up undesired mental points over Rafa prior to the clash. This I thought was the act compelled more out of desperation; making it very obvious how much he missed this trophy. Another thing which he tried different this time was to put in more efforts up on the net. But both these endeavours were done at the cost of his own peril. He should have been well aware that Rafa is so much so similar to Tendulkar when it comes to replying to his critics and opponents; that is to reply back straight with double the effort not with words but with their play !
From game one Rafa was taming FedEx like never before. It is very unlikely to find any such champion in near future who can match the passion and grit of his. Just an amazing feeling to see him rule the clay. It was as if some artist of the calibre of M.F. Hussain playing with his own colours on his on canvas.
The only other sportsperson who can match the top spin and grip on the turf alike Rafa would be Shane Warne ! So it is not so coincidental that both of them are the champions at their own backyard (Tennis and Cricket). The angle and power which he can generate from any place from his side of the court to the other side, equally with both forehand as well as backhand, is simply marvelous. Add to it the placement and power with grip, spin, accuracy, stamina and foresight. This is Rafa for you. A player with much greater affinity to play from the baseline (alike Agassi); so with all the above virtues it is really not required for him to come on net so frequently. And rightly so he seldom does.
The other factor which makes him a treat to watch is his being a left-hander. In this world dominated by right-handers I think the south-paws bring more flamboyance to the game. And having said that I cannot resist myself from comparing him with the Laras and Gangulys of cricket.
Many a times I was left agape with the sheer power and placement of his double handed backhand. After spending some time on I-net I came to learn that it is to do something with his being 'right-hander' naturally ! Surprising to many I am sure it would sound. But yes he is a right hander by nature but plays tennis with left hand. Much to do with the advice of his coach and uncle Toni. So hats off to uncle Toni and not Sam [for a blissful change] !
I can conclude with one thought for sure that FedEx has once again been unable to achieve his dream but Rafa might achieve his. i.e Rafa I think this time has great chances to topple FedEx to win the Glamorous Wimbledon 2008 !
FedEx, guard your own backyard now !
1 comment:
good one dude!! Nadal was terrific at wimbledon.. It would be interesting to see Fed's response
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