Thursday, July 1, 2010

OF GRAND SLAMS AND SOUR GRAPES

Grand Slams look unfamiliar these days.


Because Federer is exiting so early. No, not the first-round, but even the quarter-final is such an unexpected result from my favourite player. In fact, I usually do not watch the early rounds in Grand Slams at all, catching up with Roger when he strode into the quarters and beyond, mostly winning, sometimes losing, but always, always immensely, delightfully watchable.

Now, without Federer, the courts seems emptied of artistry, bereft of magic. The red clay of Roland Garros is harsher, bloodier with the grunting, lunging, gutsy, athletic Nadal and his power-tennis. Wimbledon's grass is no longer that shade of brilliant green it was for the past so many years.

Now, watching the finals of a Grand Slam is no longer a matter of biting fingernails, knotting-up stomach and clenching fingers together in prayer. Where I would jump from point to point, game to game, set to set, swinging between hope and despair. Where I could cry unabashedly when Federer's subtle charms would self-destruct or be mauled by the hard-hitting determination of his opponent, usually Nadal. Where I could watch, enraptured by the mastery of a man who could transform a movement into a masterpiece with his timing, touch, grace and fluidity. Where I would rejoice at witnessing magic and history weaving together a unique spectacle.

Now, I can relax during a Grand Slam final. It's just two men slugging it out - with the stronger one, in mind and body, the one who seizes the moment, winning. Tennis has become a battle of power once again. A game for gritty warriors, not the magic of the artist.

12 comments:

Ugich Konitari said...

I actually thought of you when learnt about Federer losing...:-)

Meira said...

you're tagged

Nona said...

There will be other tournaments. For now, enjoy the rains.

Swaram said...

I ws thinking abt u when Fedex lost sday :P

Am a hard core Nadal fan :D

Roshni said...

he probably lost on purpose so he could spend time with his kids!! :)

Aparna said...

Sour grapes indeed. Start appreciating the newcomers, they are not bad , really!

sujata sengupta said...

I thought of you when Federer lost and about your post on him. And I couldnt agree with you more on this one.

Lazyani said...

Was Looking forward to your post on this. I guess we are getting into an era of brawn which is rather in the WWF genre.

Feels all the more so as Brazil lost today, probably the only day they played the beautiful game

Arundhati said...

Tagged you!

Sumandebray said...

I did remember your post rejoicing at Federers last win ....
but Peas 's win did bring a smile in my face
our kolkata boy

Alexi Frest said...

Shame F. lost...

nsiyer said...

Form is temporary, Class is permanent.