Friday Night Special – the French Open Semi Finals…the Top 4 seeds in an picture postcard type match-up. It doesn’t get bigger or better than this.
We start with Nadal(1) – gunning for his 6th title – versus Murray(4), yet to win his first. At 6-4, 7-5, – and 2hrs 16mins later…Nadal is slowly grinding down his opponent in an absolutely fantastic display of unbelievable tennis. By both players. At this level, there is very little to separate the two. It is almost impossible to tell ability, talent and class apart. It’s about pure self-belief…the man who wins is the one who believes he can. Mind games – so easy to write about, so brutally hard to experience.
The next match is even harsher…Federer(3) versus Djokovic(2). This one has even more dramatic potential. Till very recently, and for the longest time, Federer ruled the world in imperious fashion – till Nadal dislodged him from his throne. But even then, it was only Nadal who could actually make the great Swiss sweat. But in the last year, things have changed. After years of being a distant third, D’Joker has suddenly achieved full potential. He has had a great run this year, already won the Australian and now enroute to World No. 1 and the French. Who is going to stop him ? Federer would like to, but can he ? And Nadal MUST stop him if he wishes to equal Borg’s record of 6 French Open Titles.
Slow, blood red clay courts, gladiators in an arena, epic battles…This is Grand Slam glory – all very complicated, all very exciting, everything so pregnant with meaning…!!! I love this sport, as I love all sport. These are the REAL STARS – no make-up, no retakes, no special effects. It all happens for Real, and in Real Time. Live. They are battling it out in Paris right now – I am connected and in the moment. Thank God for Talent and Technology:) And standing ovations for the losers – because they are the ones who make the win so special.
ps: Rafa beat Murray in straight sets, and Feddy leads Djokovic by 1 set to nil… Hmmmm 🙂
SAMEER NAIR 
My little bit on Roger and Rafa post yday’s final….2 great great athletes…but over the years I think Roger has just made Rafa into this HUGE deal and hence Rafa just always has the psychological advantage….Roger walks onto the court and I think more often that not, he has already lost the game in his head before he actually goes out and loses! Fear….he needs to read that new book and conquer this demon!