July

[Seafront Plodder]

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'


Quite simply the best game I have ever watched. It just had it all, with both guys right at the top of the sport. Although I was cheering for Rog, there is no doubt that Nadal deserved the win.

And great to see Federer so noble in defeat.

Collected his runners up salver like the true champion he is. Full eye contact with and full respect for officialdom, respectful words for his victorious opponent including a bit of well meaning humour and kept his head and spirits up throughout his worst sporting moments

Some of the football "heroes" could learn a lot from him. Contrast Federer"s behaviour in defeat with sights in Euro 08. Grown men crying like babies on the pitch, the total lack of eye contact and appreciation for officialdom when collecting their losers medals and the permanent look of extreme dejection throughout.

Incidentally, the linesman who accompanied Federer to his bathroom break at the end of the 4th set is a member of my tennis club. I'll see him next wekend and obviously ask him the question we all want answered. Did he wash his hands?