I Ain’t No One’s Bitch But My Own !

Well on Sunday , it was exactly a year to the day when Usain Bolt got on the world stage and set the track and field world alight with his electrifying performances at the Beijing Olympics. Come full circle , and on Sunday, Bolt was at it again, as he decimated a world class field of 100m sprinters in the men’s finals of the event , at the IAAF’s World Track & Field Championships, in Berlin, Germany.

Bolt is mobbed locals as well as several Jamaicans in attendance at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin , Germany at the IAAF World Track & Field Championships. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Wolfgang Schrader ................

Sunday, Bolt obliterated a field that included his arch rival, American Tyson Gay . As well his fellow Jamaican countrymen, Asafa Powell . In a blistering display of sheer speed and athleticism , Bolt laid waste to the claims that Gay ought to be viewed as the presumptive favorite in the race. Albeit, that the American had ran the fastest time in the world this year , at 9.77 seconds.

On the very same track where the hero of the 1936 Summer Olympics , Jesse Owens staged his very own dominance over Hitler’s Aryan race and thoughts of supremacy as to they, being a superior race . Bolt left an indelible mark on those present in the arena and the tens of millions of fans watching worldwide. He raced out of the starting blocks in the 100 meters sprint finals and by sixty meters , he had the race won . However , it wasn’t so much the ease with which the young Jamaican won the race. It was more so the fact , that the lowered the world record once again. In clocking a time of 9.59 seconds , Bolt became the first man to run a sub 9.60 for the 100m event. And had he not began to slow up over the last ten meters while pulling away from the rest of the field. There’s no doubt that he could’ve ran a great deal faster and been under 9.50 seconds for the event.

Bolt closing down on the finish line in the men's 100m final at the World Championships in Berlin. Finishing a distant second was America's Tyson Gay with Bolt's fellow countryman Asafa Powell finishing third. picture appears courtesy of bbc.co.uk/sports/ Adam Walsh ....................

As for Tyson Gay, this was once again a tremendous disappointment. Having failed to make the finals of the event in Beijing. He once again comes home disappointed. Furthermore it’s now being widely reported that the Gay may well not participate in the highly anticipated 200m event , where there also Bolt is the current Olympic champion and world record holder in the event. One can either alluded to the fact that Gay might not want to be further embarrassed , or he may well be injured or simply feigning injury in order to get out of having to face the dominant young Jamaican sprinter. It’d appear that as far as the intimidation factor goes. It may well be that it’s now Usain Bolt who’s now the most dominant athlete in the world , rather than Tiger Woods or Roger Federer , for that matter. The latter of whom , have both suffered rather embarrassing defeats at the hands of lesser opponents over the weekend.

Bolt stands by the clock in the Olympic Stadium having just lowered tghe world record to 9.58 in the men's 100 m in the finals at IAAF World Track & Field Championships . picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Wolfgang Schrader ................

To my mind , I do feel that Gay is proving to be a chicken , more than anything else. He’ll once again use the excuse of an injury , rather than having to face the embarrassment of being beaten by a much better prepared and physically gifted athlete. And probably not wanting to be thought of as Usain Bolt’s bi_ch once again. Moreover , in the eyes of many should he not participate at all in the 200m , it gives the perception that he’s also running scared. Hardly what you’d come to expect of an alleged world class track star , now is it ? I suppose he’s rather be his own bi_ch , than someone else’s ?

Nothing Ventured , Nothing Gained ..

Well Wimbledon has ended . And with a triumphant Serena Williams having won the women’s singles title in defeating her elder sibling Venus Williams 7-6(3), 6-2, in two rather compelling and riveting sets. It can be said that women’s tennis now finds itself in good standing. Unfortunately, the WTA rankings would suggest otherwise at this juncture with the idiotic notion that Dinara Safina still remains ranked #1 , with Serena now ranked #2.

The 2009 Men's and Women's singles champions at Wimbledon Roger Federer (left) and Serena Williams. This was part of the post celebratory event known as the Champions' dinner held at the Intercontinental Hotel , Park Lane, in London. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Martin Pool ..................

It may well be that the WTA doesn’t always look at the results when coming to the assumption of the makeup of its rankings. Especially when it comes to the Grand Slam tournament events anyway. They however state that the rankings are indicative of the year’s commitment and form of the players. But then again the Grand Slam events are in-fact what essentially makes up the most productive part of the WTA’s calendar in terms of the interest shown by the attendance, tv audience and by the fans of the sport in general.

Serena Williams having just defeated her sister Venus Williams in the women's singles finals at Wimbledon 7-6(3), 6-2 to secure her third Wimbledon singles title and her 11th Grand Slam singles title overall. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Carl de Souza .......................

On the men’s side of the draw in the finals. We had the privilege of being part of one of the truly great finals of the modern era. There, we saw world #2 Roger Federer take on Andy Roddick in what truly was an epic event. What the fans encountered and witnessed bordered on being sublime as a well as riveting in terms of sheer raw emotion , passion and everything that these two brilliant players could muster up on a Sunday afternoon.

Those who were privileged enough to be in attendance witnessed a match that was thrilling and where both players gave it their all. Wherein at the end of it all absolutely nothing was left to give of themselves physically. A match that lasted in excess of five hours and a total of 78 games . And wherein the fifth set alone was the fifth longest of the modern era, encompassing thirty games in the deciding set which took 90 minutes to complete.

The realization ofa triumph as Federer acknowledges his feat and accepts the acclaim and applause forthcoming from the crowd. His five set thrilling victory over Andy Roddick sets a number of Wimbledon singles' finals records. The five set epic , 5-7, 7-6,7-6,3-6, 16-14, produced all of the excitment that one would expect . picture appears courtesy of getty images /Paul Gilham ......................

This epic produced by Federer and Roddick will go down in the annals of tennis history. And the result speaks for itself as to how thrilling this men’s singles finals was in its being. The match ebbed and flowed like the currents of of a stream. And at the end of it all both men slumped to the ground after their physical excesses. The undeniable fact was that the better man prevailed on the day. But it’d be remis to think that the 5-7, 7-6(8-6),7-6 (7-5),3-6, 16-14 , result won by Federer wasn’t duly also also contributed by the valiant efforts of Andy Roddick. He was noble in defeat and if anything it may well have garnered him a new circle of fans.

Federer pictured second from the right is joined by former champions Bjorn Borg (left), Pete Sampras (center ) and to the far right Rod Laver. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Martin Pool ....................

Certainly there were no villains to be found in this thrilling masterpiece. If anything it was about two heroic figures who had a great deal of respect for each other. And that reverence was shown in the way that they allowed their appreciation to manfest itself for each other at the end of the match. The speeches were congratulatry and reciprocated as to the efforts put forth by each.

A solemn Andy Roddick looks on as Federer is given the due acclaim worthy of a champion as he accepts his trophy. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Martin Pool ...............

Now with but one remaining Grand Slam championship to be played as part of the Grand Slam calendar year. The US Open from Flushing, New York , takes on a life of its own . And it will have a great deal to live up to in terms of sheer excitement and drama provided. If we are provided with only half the excitement exhibited by both the men’s and women’s singles finals at Wimbledon. Then we’ll most certainly be in for a terrific treat !

In Defeat, Roddick Has His Shining Moment

The scoreboard said Roger Federer won his sixth Wimbledon championship and 15th Grand Slam title. It said he won 5-7, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5), 3-6, 16-14.

The scoreboard said that Andy Roddick lost in five sets to the greatest tennis player of all time. Sometimes, the scoreboard doesn’t tell the whole story.

Going into the match, Roddick was had a record of 2-18 against Federer. Two of those losses came in the finals of Wimbledon in 2003 and 2004. Despite the fact that Roddick was playing his best tennis going into Sunday’s match with Federer, few gave him a chance to come out on top. In fact, some felt that based on past performances against Federer, Roddick would not even put up a fight. Those people were sorely mistaken.

Roddick came out of the gates blazing, using his trademarked fast serve to make push Federer back behind the baseline. From the beginning, it was clear that Roddick was going to use his serve to his advantage — and did he ever. His first serve percentage hovered around 90 in the first set, an extraordinary feat even for someone with as good a serve as Roddick. In order to win the match, however, Roddick would need to do more than simply win his service games. With the set tied 5-5, Roddick did, and won the first set 7-5. Federer was serving well early, acing Roddick often, and a break of Federe’s serve had to do wonders for Roddick’s confidence. Moreover, Roddick had depended on his serve heavily to the win the set, but what was different from previous matches was his ability to spar with Federer on ground strokes. Roddick was always dangerous because of his serve, but a solid ground game makes him difficult to defeat.

Looking for his first Wimbledon championship, Roddick was off to a great start. With both he and Federer serving extremely well in the second set, a tiebreaker was inevitable. Just like the beginning of the match’s opening set, Roddick came out firing, and he was jumped out to a 6-2 lead. He was one point away from taking a two sets to love lead on Federer, arguably the greatest grass court player of all-time. Roddick had four set points to try and crack Federer. Predictably, Federer continued serving well, and he was also able to win on Roddick’s serve. The set — and momentum — was starting to sway to Federer’s corner. Up 6-5, Roddick had an easy volley to win the set and bring momentum and a commanding lead to his side. He had the entire court available to him, but he mishit the ball, and Federer went on to win the set and tie the match at one-set-all.

At that moment, Roddick could have gotten down on himself and mentally checked out; he had every right to after losing the set the way he did. Maybe it was just another typical match against Federer — no matter what he was going to do, Federer would still win. Roddick, however, kept fighting.

Though Federer won the third set in another tiebreaker, Roddick once again did not lose his serve. Even though he was down two sets, he continued to execute the gameplan. Federer was serving just as effectively as Roddick, and with Federer’s talent, Roddick had to make sure his serve did not get broken. The pressure of having to break Federer back would be far too difficult. What’s more, Roddick had the confidence to make a comeback and get right back in the match. Thanks to his serve, he did.

The fourth set was a thing of beauty for Roddick. He broke Federer’s serve for a second time in the match, and that ultimately led to Roddick winning 6-3. Against all odds, Roddick had pushed Federer to a fifth set — the third straight five-set Gentleman’s final at Wimbledon, all of which involved Federer. ‘

It was a whole new match, and Roddick was armed with a huge serve, and the confidence that he could prevail and be Wimbledon champion. For the first time in his career, he appeared to fully believed that he deserved to win the title.

Federer, on the other hand, was fighting for his place in tennis history. The fifth and final set would come down to who wanted it the most — and who had the most strength.

At Wimbledon, there is no fifth-set tiebreaker. It is the only Grand Slam event that does not, meaning the players keep going until someone wins by two games. That also meant that Roddick or Federer would have to break the other’s serve — a difficult proposition considering how well the two served throughout the match. Quickly, it became apparent that neither player was going to budge on his serve.

Roddick continued to serve beautifully, striking the ball with incredible power while at the same time remaining accurate and finding all the right angles. Federer was just as brilliant, and the statistics proved that the two men put on a serving clinic in the match: Roddick had 27 aces, Federer 50. Roddick won 83% of his first serves, Federer 89%. Roddick won 44% of his second serves, Federer 60%. Roddick’s fastest serve clocked in at 143 MPH, while Federer’s came in at 135 MPH.

With the way the two were serving, it appeared that the match might go on all night — and it almost did. As the match started getting longer and longer, neither player appeared tired.  Roddick, even deep into the fifth set, was still serving over 125 MPH on a consistent basis. Incredibly, his serve still had not been broken. The amount of games played in final set was remarkable; it seemed to go from 7-6, Federer to 15-14, Federer in a flash. With yet another chance to win brake Roddick’s serve — in the 77th game of the match — Federer buckled down, stepped up his game and won the championship. Not only did he win his 15th Grand Slam title,the most ever,he set and Roddick set history: they played the longest fifth set in the history of Grand Slam tennis — 30 games.

It was an incredible performance from both sides, and no one wanted to see the match come to an end. Both kept fighting and pushing to achieve greatness.

Roddick played the match of his life. Never before had he pushed Federer to a fifth-set. Never before had he made Federer so nervous against him in a Grand Slam final.

Roddick worked extremely hard to get to the point of having the opportunity to play so well against Federer. The last few years have been a time of change for Roddick. He parted ways with his coach, Jimmy Connors, and last year hired Larry Stefanki. If Roddick was going to compete against the likes of Federer, he need to improve his all-around game, and improve his physical conditioning. Under the tutelage of Stefanki, Roddick did both, and the work showed in this tournament. So much so that possibly the two greatest matches of his career came in his final two matches. Against Andy Murray in the semifinals, Roddick executed his gameplan to perfection, beating Murray in every aspect of the game. And against Federer, Roddick used his previous biggest weakness, his backhand, to his advantage. There was no better indication of how far his game has come than the image of Roddick smacking two backhands winners down the line.

After the final point of the match, both Roddick and Federer dropped to their knees. They did it for different reasons, as Federer was the victor and Roddick the runner-up. Maybe the scoreboard got it wrong, because in defeat, Roddick gave the performance of a lifetime. He showed grace, courage, maturity and an incredible desire to win.

The record books may not show it, but Roddick came out a champion.

A Finale Worth Watching

Well the matchups have been set . And the finalists in the men’s and women’s singles finals have been revealed. In the men’s singles finals it’ll be number one seed and world # 2 Roger Federer facing off against American, Andy Roddick.

Roger Federer serves in his semi-final match against Germany's Tommy Haas at Wimbledon. Federer won the match and will be making his seventh appearance in the men's singles finals at Wimbledon. He'll be chasing his sixth singles title and fifteenth Grand Slam singles title overall. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Adrian Dennis .....

On the women’s side it’ll be the Williams sisters Venus and Serena facing off against each other in another Grand Slam tennis final. And it will be a women’s final that will have the tennis world eagerly affixed to their every move. Venus Williams will be seeking to win her sixth women’s singles finals championship at Wimbledon and her third straight title. Having last won the title in ‘07 and ‘08. Should she prevail then she’ll become the first woman to do so since Steffi Graf achieved the feat in 1991 then in ‘92 and ‘93. Whereas Serena Williams will be seeking her third Wimbledone singles title. This will be the fourth time that the sisters have met in the women’s singles final at Wimbledon.

Andy Roddick here makes his double fisted backhand a part of his repertoire of strokes used in defeating Andy Murray. Roddick won the match in a thrilling and exhilerating four set victory 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(9-7), 7-6(7-5). Roddick now meets Federer in the men's singles final on Sunday afternoon at Wimbledon. It will the third meeting of the duo in a men's singles final at Wimbledon. In each of their previous meeting Federer prevailed. And it is viewed that he will prevail again. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Glyn Kirk .........

And whilst Venus may well be viewed as the prohibitive favorite to win the tournament. Serena will surely go out and try to derail her big sister’s ambitions of winning her sixth title. The two have also have also made it to the women’s doubles finals. There they’ll meet the Australian pairing of Samantha Stosur and Rennae Stubbs. And in all likelihood it’ll be plain sailing for the sisters against the Antipodean pairing. When their doubles’ game takes shape they’re virtually unstoppable. And it would be viewed as a major surprise should the pairing of Stosur and Stubbs prevail.

Venus Williams (left) and her younger sibling Serena consult each other on strategy during their semi-final match in the women's doubles at Wimbledon. The pair won their match with a lopsided 6-1,6-2 victory over Lisel Huber and Cara Black. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Carl de Souza ...........

Experience counts for everything they say. And in this case with the pairing of the two sisters in this final. We ought to see a thoroughly entertaining and physically demanding match. However that’ll be predicated upon the mindset of both sisters. Venus combines a game of power in terms of her serving and a great deal of finesse when it come to her groundstrokes. Serena on the other hand is no stranger to either. But her game is built around her physical attributes. And that comes from her amazing speed around the court. And in the backcourt she tends to prevail with her powerful forehand strokes. Enough cannot be said as to the game of both players. But this is one thing that you can be sure of. In no way will this be a boring or mundane women’s singles final. Whenever the two tend to meet in a Grand Slam final , it has to be said they’ve never failed to disappoint the fans in attendance or those watching on television.

Serena Williams makes a return backhand to her sem-final opponent Elena Dementieva of Russia. Serena would go on to win the match in three sets 6-7(7-4),7-5,8-6 . picture appears courtesy of ap/ photo/ Anja Niedringhaus ...........

And as an avowed fan of the game. I for one am very much looking forward to this women’s singles final. It ought to to provide us with some thoroughly thrilling entertainment one way or another. As to predicting a winner. Prognostication has never been a forte’ for me. I’m a fan first and foremost. And that for me is what sports is essentially about if I’m not a participant in a particular recreational endeavor.

Dinara Safina (left) congratulates Venus Williams after their semi-final match. Williams would obliterate Safina in two scintillating sets of power tennis wining the match 6-1,6-0 in convincing fashion. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Anja Niedringhaus ...........

On the men’s side we’ll be seeing history made by Roger Federer. He’ll be making his twentieth appearance in a Grand Slam singles final. A record he shares with Ivan Lendl. At it will be his sixteenth consecutive appearance in a Slam singles final. For Roddick this can’t be something that he’ll relishing. And that’s despite a wonderful display of tennis in defeating Andy Murray in a thorougly riveting four set match 6-4,4-6,7-6(9-7),7-6(7-5). Thereby denying the young Scottish player a chance of becoming the first British player to make an appearance in the men’s singles final since the late Fred Perry won the last of his three straight singles titles in the late thirties.

Whilst no one might covet the task now said to be facing Roddick. If he’s able to produce a semblance of the form used in defeating Murray. Then he may well be in with a chance. Even slight as it might be on appearance. Roddick knows that in his two previous meetings against Federer. It has been the Swiss player that has proven to be victorious.

And for Federer while his name has already been etched in tennis folklore and immortality. He can now rewrite the record books and dispel any thought as to who is the best player of his generation. Or for that fact the best player male player ever to play the game professionally. These are now the analogies that are and can be used to descibe Federer’s complete mastery of the game. And that’s with due respect to world number one Rafael Nadal. For Nadal who has proven to be Federer’s nemesis as of late. His none appearance here at Wimbledon and being unable to defend his title due to a recurring knee injury has left us somewhat wondering what might have been.

But the game isn’t played on the premis of supposition. It’s all about the intangibles being displayed at the time and the events as they unfold. If nothing else we can watch and appreciate what in effect will be history as it manifests itself in front of us all. This will be the culmination of a finale well worth watching and then some ! And no matter who proves to be victorious we can be enamored with it all.

_________________________________________________________

The Day at Wimbledon

Here’s a look at what’s gone on so far at Wimbledon, Day 3:

>>Novak Djokovic had a tough first set against Germany’s Simon Gruel, but from Djokovic dominated from there. He won the match 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 and will face American Mardy Fish in the third round. Djokovic was bounced in the second round at Wimbledon last year, so already he is having a much better tournament.

>>Maria Sharapova, who is still recovering from a shoulder injury, lost in three sets to Gisella Dulko. It is clear that Sharapova, who missed nine months of tennis because of the injury, is not yet back to full strength. Her movement was questionable throughout the match, and her serve looked awful. This is a long rehab process, and she still has a ways to go before she’s back to championship form. She fought in hard in the match and fought off multiple match points, but in the end Dulko played better tennis.

>>Roger Federer is currently in cruise control against Guillermo Garcia-Lopez. Federer, as pointed out by commentators Chris Fowler and Darren Cahill, looks extremely relaxed now that he no longer has to worry about the French Open. The fact that he finally got that monkey off of his back has appeared to give him extreme comfort, and now he can simply go out and play tennis on his favorite surface. The way he is playing, he’ll be getting grand slam No.15 in less than two weeks.

>>Serena Williams had no trouble defeating Jarmila Groth. Serena won 6-2, 6-1 to advance to the third round. She played nearly perfect tennis, as she had just six unforced errors and was broken just once. Her ground strokes looked excellent and she is currently playing some of her best tennis. If she can keep this up, she’s looking at a meeting with her sister Venus in the final. Lastly, an interesting story on gambling.

>>Apparently, there were a lot of bets placed on the Jurgen Meltzer after betters learned that Wayne Odesnik was injured. They learned about it from a TV commentator. To me, there doesn’t seem to be much going on here, since the TV commentator was the one who gave gamblers the information. The thing that tennis needs to be concerned about is people getting inside information that no one else knows. That’s what has plagued the sport — people getting into locker rooms and finding out about injuries. Since the injury was being reported on TV, the playing field was level. But with all of the gambling stories that have littered the sport over the past few years — most notably the Nikolay Davydenko investigation — it’s good that the sport is checking into this latest incident, just to be safe. ESPN.com:

Wagering on a Wimbledon match soared after a TV commentator pointed out one of the players is injured, an online bookmaker said Wednesday.

The British bookmaker, Betfair, alerted tennis corruption investigators about the unusual betting patterns for the first-round match Tuesday between 109th-ranked Wayne Odesnik of the United States and 30th-ranked Jurgen Melzer of Austria, but does not suspect any wrongdoing, spokesman Mark Davies said.

Davies said Betfair received more than six times as many wagers as it would normally receive for such a match. Melzer’s odds “shortened significantly,” Davies said, after a TV announcer noted shortly before the match that Odesnik has a thigh injury. Melzer won 6-1, 6-4, 6-2.

Betfair received about $980,000 in wagers on the match, Davies said; the average for a first-round match at Wimbledon is less than $163,000.

“It’s being reported as potential corruption, but I don’t see it that way at all,” Davies told The Associated Press. “I doubt that there was any wrongdoing.”

Still, Betfair has reported the heavy betting to the International Tennis Federation’s integrity unit.

“Because of the transparency … we pass that info on to the Tennis Integrity Unit,” Davies said. “Then they can make a judgment. But having heard the commentary on the match, I don’t suspect that this is going to turn out to be any kind of a corruption story.”

The All England Club referred all questions about the betting to the ITF, which refused to comment. The ITF’s Tennis Integrity Unit never comments on an ongoing investigation.

Strawberries And Cream, All The Pomp, Ceremony, And Circumstance That Is Wimbledon

 This is the time of year that I so long for.  And being a Brit who’s now living in the US.  I just miss the days wherein I’d make it my rite of passage each year to attend one of the major sporting events that’d be taking place during the height of Summer.

A panoramic view of Center Court at Wimbledon as a match takes place on Day 1 of the event. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images / Leon Neal .................

In soccer it would be the FA Cup. Basically it’s English soccer’s answer to the Superbowl. In horse racing it would either be The Derby from Epsom racecourse or attending Goodwood racecourse “ “Glorious Goodwood” for the pageantry and the exciting thoroughbred racing that’d take place there over the course of several days.

Roger Federer of Switzerland seeded #1 here at Wimbledon in absence of reigning champion Rafael Nadal. Federer would earn a straight sets' victory over Lu Yen Hsun of Chinese Tapei . Federer seeks to surpass the 14 Grand Slams singles titles' record that he now shares jointly with Pete Sampras. The defeat of Hsun makes that passage appear somewhat easier as he makes his way into the second rond. picture appears courtesy of ap/ photo/ Andra Niedringhaus ..................

At heart I’m an avid sport’s fan and within reason just about any sport that elicits excitement and athletic endeavor . And you’re liable to get me hooked on it as either as a passive observer or an avowed fan. Within reason they’re also several sports that I’ve no real time for. But to relate those to you would take up far too much time. And as they say …..” time is of the essence “. Suffice to say boxing and the martial arts are also two of the great loves of my life ! But it is Wimbledon that seems to elicit all of the emotions within me. And the mere fact as a sporting event it’s where I have some of my fondest memories. Over the years I’d attended six Wimbledon events prior to my departure for the United States.

Fans watch a tennis match on a giant tv screen within the grounds of the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club at Wimbledon. There've been a number of improvements made at the venue. Including an automated domed roof that covers Center Court. The installation was completed in time for this year's event. picture appears courtesy of afp/ getty images/ Leon Neal ................

Which brings me on to Wimbledon and the All England Tennis Championships. The formal name given to the most prestigious event in the sport. And despite the formalities of the sport at heart it is very much the fact that although the All England Tennis Club’s President is presided over by a member of the Royal Family, HRH Prince Edward The Duke of Kent. It’s merely a ceremonial title and although the Prince is a passionate follower of the sport. He likes to be treated as an ordinary fan or member of the public would like to be viewed when it comes to tennis. Don’t let that dissuade you from the fact that the ambiance and emotional highs that one can get from watching the sport.

Ai Sugiyama returns a cross court forehand shot against Patty Schnyder in the first round of the women's singles tournament at Wimbledon. Sugiyama would win the game in straight sets 6-4,6-4 and make her way to the second round. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Gly Kirk .................

At the heart of Wimbledon is the empathy and passion that players and fans reciprocate between one an another. I doubt that there’s any sporting event in the world that elicits that sort of unbridled passion between the fan and the players. The intimacy of being that close to the action as it takes place is what in large part plays into it all. And as a venue the All England Lawn , Tennis & Croquet Club (AELTC) exhibits that.

Anyone For Tennis ?

Well it’s that time of year again and Wimbledon is once again upon us. And the All England Tennis & Croquet Club in South West London will be a buzz with all of the pomp and circumstance normally accorded one of the truly great sporting events of the Summer

A jubilant Rafael Nadal holds his Australian Men's Singles Finals trophy having defeated world #2 Roger Federer in an epic five set match in Melbourne at the Australian Open. picture appears courtesy of getty images/William West .....................

 

 

The event itself begins this Monday and continues over the ensuing fortnight. Where it will culminate with the men’s singles finals on the 5th July at the All England Tennis & Croquet Club, otherwise known as Wimbeldon.

And as only beffitting an event of such stature can one really appreciate what it means to the fans of the sport. When we discuss the sport . It merely comes down to the Grand Slam events. And these are the Australian Open, French Open , Wimbledon and the US Open. These quartet of events are the cornerstones of the calendar for men of the ATP Tour and the women of WTA. The international governing body of the sport is however the International Tennis Federation(ITF).

A triumphant Roger Federer kisses the Men's singles trophy having just defeated Robin Soderling of Sweden in the French Open singles finals at the Roland Garros Stadium, Paris , France earlier this month. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo / Bernard Armagne' .....................

And already this year we’ve seen the metoric rise of world #1 Rafael Nadal to the top of the men’s game. He won the Australian Open defeating his closest challenger and rival Roger Federer in what many have desrcibed as one of the epic men’s Grand Slam finals of Open era. This thrilling five set final took over four exhilerating hours for their to be a determination as to the who the champion might be. And at the end of it all the fans in attendance as well as the viewing public could not have been disatisfied with the outcome. What we all witnessed was sportsmanship at its finest. And two gifted competitors who gave their all.

Sadly, this Wimbledon event will deprive us of seeing Nadal compete and defend his Wimbledon men’s singles title. As the player has been forced to withdraw due to a nagging knee injury. This may well lay the groundwork for Federer , himself to go on and rewrite the history books and garner his fifteenth Grand Slam singles’ title. Having won the French Open, where Nadal made an unexpected exit on a surface that he’d proven to be dominant on. The win gives Federer all the encouragement he might need in achieving the feat. In doing so he’ll surpass the record that he and Pete Sampras jointly hold. Although it can be said that Sampras never achieved the career Grand Slam of having won all four major singles titles. Federer joins an illustrious list of men who’ve achieved that feat.

In all there have been six men to achieve the feat including Federer. And they are Fred Perry , Donald Budge, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson and Andre Agassi. Laver having been the only individual amongst the men to have achieved the feat twice in a calendar year. Once as an amateur (1962 ) and then as a professional (1969). It is indeed rarified air that Federer now finds himself in.

Nadal Forced to Withdraw From Wimbledon, Federer Jumps For Joy

Roger Federer may be the greatest tennis player of all-time, but there is one player that he has struggled with over the past year: Rafael Nadal.

Nadal defeated Federer in straight sets at the French Open in 2008, and also defeated him in last year’s epic five-setter at Wimbledon. After that slam, Nadal took over the world’s No.1 ranking.

Nadal has played very well ever since becoming No.1, while Federer has had both success and struggles. Federer won the U.S. Open, defeating Andy Murray, but lost to Nadal at the Australian Open in another five-set thriller. The real test for Federer, everyone assumed, would come at the French Open, where he has never defeated Nadal. It was also the one slam that had alluded Federer. Luckily for Roger, Nadal lost in the second round of the tournament to Robin Soderling, and Federer was finally able to break through and win his first French Open title and also tie Pete Sampras for the most career slam titles at 14.

The first chance for Federer to break Sampras’ record begins this week, as Wimbledon gets underway Monday. Federer is arguably the best grass-court player ever, so it seems fitting that he has the opportunity to break the record on his favorite surface. Most everyone assumed that Federer would have to go through Nadal to get No.15, but once again, the world’s No.2 has caught a lucky break.

Nadal announced today that he has withdrawn from Wimbledon due to tendinitis in both his knees. From SportsIllustrated.com:

“When I start a tournament like Wimbledon, it is to try to win,” the No. 1-ranked Nadal said, “and my feeling right now is I’m not ready to play to win.”

Nadal called it “one of the toughest decisions of my career,” but he also added: “There’s no option. I don’t feel ready to compete 100 percent for two weeks.”

Nadal simply was not ready to return to the court, as evidenced by his exhibition loss to Leyton Hewitt. With this stunning news, the door suddenly is wide open for Federer. Nadal would have provided another extremely tough match for Federer. And though he is much too classy of a person to say something rude about Nadal’s injury (he called the news “sad”), he likely is a bit relieved that he doesn’t have to face the Spaniard in order to get the record.

Federer’s first round match is against Yen-Hsun Lu, which, let’s face it, should be a walk in the park for a player of Federer’s caliber. Federer’s section of the draw is very easy, as the next-highest ranked player is Fernando Verdasco, who is No.7.

On grass, and with Nadal absent, Federer should make history at Wimbledon.