for love of the game: US Open 2009
Juan Martin del Potro's denied Roger Federer of his sweet sixteenth grand slam title and I'm pretty sure it's all gone emotional.
Everyone probably thought The Fed had it in the bag until JMD started breaking service in the last games of the 4th set, which eventually led to a tie-break. The fifth set went on to an "unbelievable" (which I think is Roger's favourite word of the year) 3-0 start in favour of the Argentine. Rog hung on to dear survival with the thought of breaking records so sweetly in mind but was clearly rattled as JMD's mental and physical strength proved to be a phenomenon. A few games and 3 match points later it was all over. Juan Martin del Potro is now a Grand Slam title holder, and one can only wonder whether Roger -had things gone his way - actually kept a custom-made "16" jacket in one of his bags.
JMD deserved every bit of the championship - he's beaten Cilic, Rafa, Roger so you can't say he's had an easy draw. He has always been a 'one-to-watch' on my list (and my friend Sue's) because despite his awesome forehand and long legs, I like the fact that he's such a modest player, so down to earth and.. so chilled out. His acceptance speech was so humbling too - something along the lines of "I have two dreams. Now I've already reached one of them (meaning a grand slam title) but I still have a lot to learn to be just like you (points to Roger)". And despite the obvious 'so-near-yet-so-far' frustration the World No. 1 must've been feeling - he was very gracious in defeat and let JMD revel in the limelight. It was definitely his moment.
See, moments like these made me realise how much I love tennis. God, I really do. It's when a sportsman has enough class and bearing to respect and play for everyone in the arena - from his opponent to the audience, from the boardies to the linesmen - calling on Serena Williams who needs a lesson in anger management. Who expected her to throw a tantrum so big she'll get disqualified? Okay, so maybe that was a long time coming.
Can I just say though, that I didn't particularly like it awhile ago when JMD asked the interviewer guy (off the mic but audible) whether he can speak in Spanish to address his supporters. The interviewer guy said 'they were running out of time' - and then he went on to broadcast how much money JMD's gonna get (in a very distasteful way that makes it seem as if the players were there only for the money) and introduced the rep from one of the sponsors. Pft. This is why the US Open is kinda my least favourite Grand Slam Event - I find it too... commercial (In my book: Wimbledon (my favourite) = classic, French = challenge, Oz = laidback and US = bu$ine$$). I wanted so much to scream "For crying out loud, the emotional child's just won his first major title, beating the world's top players - this is a big day not only for him, not only for Argentina but for South America! Don't blimmin' make it look as if it's all about the money!!!" They eventually let him speak in Spanish anyway, if only for a mere coupla seconds and JMD looked like the emotionally happy champion he should be. Good on him.
That said, this season has been quite eventful. From Kim Clijsters' (who's put a whole new spin on Supermom) victorious comeback to the comeback of Novak's impressions. From (not so - haha!) disappointing early exits (ie, Andy Murray for the Brits) and unexpected visits (Rafa & the man-fan who kissed him oncourt) to unexpected and 'unbelievable' wins (ie Roger's greatest shot of his life and this year's champ, JMD).
In pure American fashion, it's been quite a dramatic season and I feel slightly emotional that it's over. God I love this game.
