If there is royalty in the sport of Tennis, I suspect that Roger Federer would be the Emperor undoubtedly. He has a presence about him and is the most popular of champions. The way he went about winning his 16th Grand Slam was almost unassuming and to the point of disdain for his opponent. But that would be far from truth. He is just such a great all round player and his supreme confidence in his ability to use his devine skills with the raquet that he comes across as someone who is almost arrogant on the court.
He played on the patience of the young Pup barking at his feet wanting nudge him over and on the G points, hit the lines unerringly. Never was he fazed about loosing his game and was comfortable in breaking back without much fuss.
If he continues to play this way for another 12 months, he could well be into 20 Grand Slams and over and let us not forget that all of them would be in singles - Unlike Evert or Navaratilova who have over 20 inclusive of doubles.
Over the last 3 decades we have seen some great champions - Ice man Bjorn Borg, Genius of McEnroe, Relentness of Sampras, Mercurial Agassi, with the greats like Lendl, Edberg, Wilander, Becker and others.. But none of them come close to Roger in terms of being human on court and warm as a sportsperson. And a diplomat to the core.. with the greatest of sportsmanship.
May your reign continue till you are ready to move on with other interests.
Living Life in today's society.....
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Saturday, 30 January 2010
Belgian Challenge returns
Kim Clijsters and Justin Henin have proved something to the world of womens tour in ATP and also to the world at large about returning to competition after a break.
One won the challenge on return and the other almost. But both are winners in my mind and in the minds a major percentage of sports fans. Because they broke stereotypes. One returning as a mother and the other after finding life outside Tennis.
This years Australian Open finals for once was not the usual one sided affair with the William sisters domination. We have now seen Henin take Serena to the edge and the true champion that Serena is, she pulled through. But there is no doubt that the rest of the Grandslams going forward in 2010 won't be a cake walk for the world number 1 with the Eurasians and the Belgians given the Williams sisters a run for their money. That is defenitely good for the game.
One won the challenge on return and the other almost. But both are winners in my mind and in the minds a major percentage of sports fans. Because they broke stereotypes. One returning as a mother and the other after finding life outside Tennis.
This years Australian Open finals for once was not the usual one sided affair with the William sisters domination. We have now seen Henin take Serena to the edge and the true champion that Serena is, she pulled through. But there is no doubt that the rest of the Grandslams going forward in 2010 won't be a cake walk for the world number 1 with the Eurasians and the Belgians given the Williams sisters a run for their money. That is defenitely good for the game.
Monday, 18 January 2010
A True Pillar of Post Independent Indian Politics has fallen!
In a world dominated by limited choices when it comes to character and integrity in the body of Indian Politics, there stood giant in Jyoti Basu. In his death, we have lost one of the strongest pillars of integrity and political decorum in the world of Indian politics. Politics which is mired in corruption, nepotism, criminalisation and dynastic practices.
From the time he entered the world of politics post his education in London he has stood for all that is there to admire in terms of commitment to the political party he was affiliated to and steadfast in his beliefs even though at times it looked very dogmatic and narrow.
Though he was a colossus who strode across the Indian political scene for more than half a century and had an unparalleled distinction of holding on to the reins of power continuously for over two decades in a turbulent state, his deportment was gentle, amiable and even sweet.
May he rest in peace.
From the time he entered the world of politics post his education in London he has stood for all that is there to admire in terms of commitment to the political party he was affiliated to and steadfast in his beliefs even though at times it looked very dogmatic and narrow.
Though he was a colossus who strode across the Indian political scene for more than half a century and had an unparalleled distinction of holding on to the reins of power continuously for over two decades in a turbulent state, his deportment was gentle, amiable and even sweet.
May he rest in peace.
Monday, 4 January 2010
Being too long out of touch
I met with an Old friend of mine after 1990 last week. I have not made the effort to be in touch with him and others since and never realised what I had lost in the process. A lot is said and written about how one gets busy with the mundane business of leading a life and working to make ends meet after you get married..or otherwise when you leave University and move on.
When I got to meet him in Mumbai last week, I realised how idiotic and senseless I had been in not having made efforts earlier. I cannot blame others for this as I am the one who has not been at one place for people to get in touch with.
It was great to catch up with my old friend and get to know about the others in our crowd and I came back with contacts for Jo, Viju and Tamal at the end of the day. Very Fulfilling.
My new year resolution is to keep in touch and make sure that we meet up as often as possible. Thank you Sai for a great evening and wish it had lasted longer..
When I got to meet him in Mumbai last week, I realised how idiotic and senseless I had been in not having made efforts earlier. I cannot blame others for this as I am the one who has not been at one place for people to get in touch with.
It was great to catch up with my old friend and get to know about the others in our crowd and I came back with contacts for Jo, Viju and Tamal at the end of the day. Very Fulfilling.
My new year resolution is to keep in touch and make sure that we meet up as often as possible. Thank you Sai for a great evening and wish it had lasted longer..
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