<p>I was starting to think Nadal’s career was going to surpass Federer’s, but after watching Wimbledon today, I can see why Roger might be the best player of all time.</p>
<p>Federer’s shot making ability was amazing. And I don’t think there has ever been any tennis player who is so smooth.</p>
<p>Those last two sets…incredible.</p>
<p>Andy’s speech at the end was heart felt. I have never been an Andy fan, but he won me over. I hope he gets over the hump and wins a grand slam tournament.</p>
<p>He won me over too. Despite being British myself, I have never been a big Murray fan. He’s always seemed so surly, but seeing his emotion today and how much it means to him - well after today I will be rooting for him - hope he wins a major soon.</p>
<p>Amazing that Federer has come back and won Wimbledon and regained his world #1 ranking. he was just superb. </p>
<p>Serena was pretty superb yesterday as well. Even more amazing that she has come back from that awful year of health problems to win Wimbledon again.</p>
<p>Federer is such a classy guy: he’s has such amazing skill and he’s a good sport too.</p>
<p>I felt sorry for Murray. For awhile, I really wanted him to win and he was really playing at the top of his game. The top guys in tennis are all awesome to watch.</p>
<p>I thought Murray had it. He surely outplayed Roger in the first two sets. I went to bed at midnight right after they resumed play with the roof closed. Fortunately, when I woke up this morning, I caught a replay at just the point I stopped watching last night. Great, high quality tennis.</p>
<p>I am in Australia so I had the added pleasure of listening to Todd Woodbridge and John Newcombe rather than Johnny Mac and Brad Gilbert :).</p>
<p>I have been a huge Roger fan since I saw him make Andre Agassi look like a Sunday afternoon club player in a tournament in Houston. He is something special. I loved seeing his little girls celebrating in the stands.</p>
<p>May I just add that it was a real pleasure to watch a match without grunting, screaming, OCD rituals, chest pounding, and stalling?? That goes for the women’s match, too. </p>
<p>Congratulations to Serena; I have had my eye on Agi Radwanska for a while now. I love the calm, smart way she plays, and hope we see lots more of her late in tournaments.</p>
<p>We discussed it on the diet/exercise thread.</p>
<p>Roger is a blend between the classic and modern games. The modern games, exemplified by Nadal, Djokovic, and, to a lesser extent, Murray are tough, grind-it-out baseline games where you know that the other guy can’t get the ball by you. It’s definitely tough on the body compared to the smooth, efficient and flatter shots of a Federer or Sampras. It’s not surprising that he’s able to play at his age.</p>
<p>I wish that Murray would capture a major - he works so hard at physical conditioning and has the tactics, strokes and technique to be at the top but he just lacks that little bit mentally to get there - hopefully Lendl helps him to get there. Djokovic was in the same spot a few years ago and then made the transition to the very top.</p>
<p>BTW, the US did reasonably well: Ladies Singles, Ladies Doubles, Mixed Doubles. The Mixed Doubles event was won by Mike Bryan and Lisa Raymond. The Bryan brothers went out in the semis.</p>
<p>I told a friend that I died and cried with Murray. I so wanted him to win this title in the Diamond Jubilee year and his started the match so well. I like Federer, but didn’t want him to tie Sampras, my all-time favorite. However, he played superb tennis and I have to concede he is a classy champion and very deserving.</p>
<p>Serena - now, that’s another story. I’m not in sync with anyone above as I absolutely detest her. I have always thought she had an enormous ego and her behavior at the US Open a few years ago still repulses me. I concede she is talented, but she has no class and never apologizes for her tacky behavior. I cheer every time she loses.</p>
<p>I like Murray - his game, his work ethic, his talent - I just hate his attitude on the court.</p>
<p>I loved watching Sampras play but he didn’t adapt his game as he got older. The top three players - Djokovic, Nadal and Federer are in a three-way chess game. They continually look for better tactics and strategy to beat the other two so their games aren’t static. A few years ago, players best strategy against Federer was attacking the backhand, especially with high kicking topspin. That doesn’t seem to bother Federer today - his topspin backhand of today is different than it was a few years ago and he used it very effectively against Murray. Murray pounded Federer’s backhand yesterday and Federer just ate it up.</p>
<p>So, here’s a question for other tennis fans. ESPN did a very good job of pointing out all the former champions, royalty, celebs & other sports notables like Jack Nicklaus in the royal box throughout the tournament. Someone asked John McEnroe at the end of last week if he had ever been in the royal box. He said very matter of factly, without embellishment, “no, I’ve never been in the royal box.” That led me to wonder if it’s because of his broadcast commitments, but they had Pam Shriver in the box on the 4th and she had time away from her ESPN duties to sit there (it was her 50th birthday that day as well - great way to celebrate). The British people love McEnroe, but do the powers that be dislike him so much as to never include him? His bad boy behavior may have been distasteful to them in his day, but it got them lots and lots of hype and attention through the years and he seems so respectful of Wimbledon and all the traditions now. Anyone have any insight on this one?</p>
<p>This is a must read for all Federer fans. My DH is an avid Sampras fan, he watched all Sampras games (however small the tournament) that were aired on the TV. Its a pity that he can’t enjoy watching Roger play. So we had a quite home yesterday, but thats nothing compared to the upcoming football rivalries.</p>
<p>Love Federer. Murray is playing better, but his history of always complaining gets old (loved that his coach sent him new shoes during changeover after he apparently blamed them for slipping - kind of like “snap out of it”). He seems to be putting that behind him and is in a good position to win a major. I was happy for Federer becaus so many strong men are coming up, I think he’s probably got his best shot of winning majors only on grass. Brits did get a fabulous win in men’s doubles with Marray, great story since he and partner came in thru qualifier. Favorite new up and comer is Isner!</p>
<p>It was an awesome match. Even though my Rafa wasn’t in it. Roger is one of the all time greats if not the greatest player of all time. He is just so cool and elegant. </p>
<p>When I was in high school we followed college tennis and saw McEnroe play several times for Stanford. He is an excellent commentator and adds a lot to my enjoyment of the match.</p>
<p>Agreed. I love to listen to McEnroe commentate now, remembering his history. I know my kids don’t get the same feeling from him as they know his past, but don’t remember it…there’s a big difference. I actually have a great respect for him now…who-da-thunk?</p>
<p>I was thrilled that Roger won!! While I love watching Nadal, who doesn’t… I think Roger is such a gracious and classy player and person, I always root for him to win.</p>
<p>Djokovic, Murray and another player had slipping problems with the Adidas Barricades for grass. It seems as if equipment problems may have cost Djokovic and Murray a little.</p>