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2008-06-27 16:53:00
May and June pass in a flurry of activity in the tennis world. With the French Open and Wimbledon occurring within a month of each other, we tennis people have little down time. That's what Wimbledon rain delays are for. During the first delay during The Championships, I began to ruminate on what has happened since the French Open ended.
The big news of course, is that Rafael Nadal won Queens, his first ever grass court title. And he won it against some serious grass court competition, which undoubtedly makes certain top players a little nervous (whether they'll admit it to the press or not). I've read some hilarious attempts at explaining how Nadal pulled off such a feat. Queens is a fast surface, after all (quicker than Wimbledon) and the unwritten laws that govern the sport mandate that Nadal should not be able to win there. Thus excuses abound.
The most amusing was the suggestion that Nadal had become so accustomed to winning that he (I'm laughing as I write this) forgot how to lose. It wouldn't be so funny, I suppose, if he hadn't had a similarly successful clay season for four years running. He seemed to remember how to lose at Queens just fine in 2006 and 2007. Maybe that writer was suggesting that Rafa's memory is going – I'll check into that and get back to you.
The other big news is Novak Djokovic's early exit from Wimbledon. Who would have guessed that he would lose to (of all people) Marat Safin? On grass. In straight sets. Safin himself admitted that he couldn't remember the last time he won a couple of matches in a row. To beat the world number three is quite the coup. Sure, Djokovic helped him along by stinking up the place – but still. Good win for the big Russian. And with Djokovic failing to defend his semi-final points from last year, Nadal will be breathing a bit easier. Not that he would give voice to such an admission.....
Lastly, no blog would be complete without some mention of Roger Federer's cardigan. For the uninitiated, this year for Wimbledon Nike decided to give Roger a herringbone cardigan sweater in cream to wear onto court. Apparently, Roger gets cold during that fifty foot walk from the locker room to Centre Court. Opinions abound on this new fashion statement, however most people are afraid to come right out and call it ugly. Not me. That thing is hideous. Sorry Roger, but even the patent leather sneakers and purse you carried at the US Open last year were better. More pretentious certainly, but not nearly as ugly. It makes me wonder what he's going to come up with for next year. A line of lip gloss for men? A diamond studded headband? The Roger Federer pashmina? Nike, give me a call. I'm a marketing idea goldmine.
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I agree, Roger's cardy is hideous, but I'm with EinarBerg on the money incentive (yes, gold digger here!). Seriously, what's with the 'fashion'? Maria's attire drew frowns (from me anyway), and out came Roger&cardy and it was time to get my glass of red and check my emails AWAY from the tv! And Cheryl, come on, out with the name...who's the dud who said Nadal forgot how to lose?!
tenstar , 6/28/08 5:34 AM
I'm in the minority - I thought he looked quite classy.
BernieEliza , 6/30/08 5:36 AM
Federer thinks he looks classy too, so you're in good company, Bernie. :)
cherylmurray , 7/1/08 3:22 AM
I will admit that I didn't know he wore it while warming up - I only saw that for the first time the other night. I did think that was a bit too much. However, I have never been to England so perhaps it is cold enough to play in a cardie.
If her were in my company (I can't say I wouldn't mind if that were the case) I would advise him only to wear it when walking out onto the court. How many do you think he has? The old woolen cardie would get a tad smelly after a while if he is running about in it.
BernieEliza , 7/1/08 9:00 AM
Oh dear - the SWEATER, not the Cardie... So sadly Aussie of me to refer to a gentleman in a cardigan rather than a SWEATER which is slightly more masculine.
BernieEliza , 7/1/08 9:02 AM
I think the cardigan looks very distinguished and sophisticated on Federer, who knows, maybe I'm a purist. He is one of the few 27 yr olds I know that could pull it off, even at Wimbledon. But I must say that Andy Roddick's observation was hilarious: "Mr Roger's sweater".
tenisbebe , 7/2/08 2:21 AM
We love to hear from you. Comments or concerns? Contact Cheryl at cheryl.murray [AT] tennistalk.com....
Thu 06/11 09:00
Top ten "what were they thinking" moments in 2008 Part II
Mon 03/11 15:09
Top ten "what were they thinking" moments in 2008 Part I
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Mon 18/08 17:38
Federer and Nadal - Is it love, hate or something else entirely - Part 2
Fri 08/08 08:51
Federer and Nadal - Is it love, hate or something else entirely - Part 1
Tue 05/08 16:43
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Thu 24/07 16:23
Day two in Toronto - how my day was nearly ruined
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Day one in Toronto - ATP players are pigs
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Fri 27/06 16:53
Nadal wins, Djokovic loses and Federer debuts THE SWEATER
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Tue 13/05 15:45
Federer Focusing on the Grand Slams
View all posts
Did you know that... Both Rafael Nadal and Björn Borg won 16 titles as teenagers.
james007, Nov 20, 2008 8:03 AM
janhavi, Nov 20, 2008 4:04 AM
Avalaine, Nov 20, 2008 12:10 AM
arailic, Nov 19, 2008 7:29 PM
elle, Nov 19, 2008 7:21 PM
jean, Nov 20, 2008 7:47 AM
tennisfan2, Nov 12, 2008 4:24 AM
elle, Nov 10, 2008 2:11 AM
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For that kind of money, I'll wear anything!
EinarBerg , 6/27/08 10:55 PM