Tennis isn't really given the recognition that I feel it deserves. At least not in the U.S. Some would argue that America is only "really" interested in team sports, but golf, nascar (if you want to call that a sport) and MMA are all very popular. So what gives? What's not to like? It's back and forth drama. It's a test of wills and mental strength. Just a man out there on an island. And as a bonus, most of the women's matches sound like a dirty movie without the 70's disco soundtrack. Don't act like you didn't notice.
Let's dive right into Wimbledon...
What can you say about Roger Federer that hasn't already been said? He just won his 5th straight Wimbledon title by besting his rival Rafael Nadal. Even though Nadal always gives him problems, you're just never watching Federer and wondering if he's going to win or lose. You just turn on the match knowing you will see something special. He's an absolute artist on the court and by far the best tennis player that has ever graced the earth. Sorry Pete, Roger would have outdone even you in your prime. If it wasn't for the fact that Nadal is unbelievable on clay courts, nobody would even attempt to debate Federer's place as number 1 all time.
The great American hope, Andy Roddick, once again was knocked out of a Grand Slam, this time by Frenchman, Richard Gasquet. I feel bad for Roddick sometimes. People in America think he is better than he is. He is one dimensional. He is a world class server and a pretty good tennis player. I'm sorry, but you need to be better than pretty good to win a Grand Slam these days. I want to coin a new phrase called a "server's chance" for someone like Roddick as opposed to a "puncher's chance" that is used by commentators and fans during every boxing or MMA pay-per-view. If his serve is perfect for 2 weeks straight then he has a chance. If he's forced to play tennis, he doesn't. It kind of makes you not want to root for him. Who wants to see someone who's not that good at tennis play tennis? That's what having kids is for. So you can watch someone play a sport badly and root for them. Oh, and also so you have someone to do all the backbreaking labor around the house.
On the women's side of the draw, Venus Williams came out of nowhere to win this thing! At least that's what people will tell you. I'm just not sure how the person who won Wimbledon in 2000, 2001, and 2005 can be a huge surprise winner in 2007. Sure she had a hurt left wrist and she isn't on the top of her game right now, but she is a winner. And by the way, she is pretty damn good on grass courts. For proof of that I suggest answering the following trivia question, "What woman has won 4 out of the last 8 Wimbledon titles?".
I do enjoy watching women's tennis and I can appreciate what they do, but I'm not sure why I like it. Any pro men's player would crush the women, (kind of like in basketball) but somehow I don't mind it too much. I hope there's more to it than the fact that attractive women are running around in short skirts and frequently bending over. On second thought, I'm okay with that.
Well, I just finished a 32 ounce bottle of Gatorade and now that it's in me, I'm heading to the bathroom to get it out of me.
