Upstaged?

Now, the inevitable is out. Nadal has upstaged Federer to the top spot in International Tennis. One of the most formidable forces ever has been dethroned. By August 18th the rankings will change and the new Emperor will be crowned officially.

Recently, after his loss to big serving Karlovic in Cincinnati, Federer said, “I don’t care if Nadal or somebody else takes the No.1 spot. I just am focusing on Olympics in Beijing and the US Open, later this year. And then I will sit to analyze where my game is?”

Does this mean that Federer will not show any resilience in taking back his throne? This is the big question.

What, after his analysis of his game? Will he just play some select tournaments to collect at least 3 grand slams to become the highest collector of grand slam trophies? Will he try even harder to win the French Open, the one missing link in his career so far? Will he become what he was till the last yearend, winning everywhere and enchanting the crowds with his grace and unimaginable talent? OR will he start a new rivalry with Nadal, dethroning him from his Numero Uno position at the earliest chance he gets?

It will always be a sight for divinity to see him in full flow on a tennis court and none would really wish him to bid adieu to the game as Borg has predicted Federer might do after his defeat at Wimbledon this year. And I am no different from any of the normal human beings who would love to experience divinity.

The end of an era in Indian cricket?

The famous trio are found wanting in an away test match, in Sri Lanka, a rare phenomenon for the past 15 years. Rahul, Sachin and Sourav, all failed together. Let us not attribute their collective failure to either Mendis or Muralitharan or even Vaas.

Rahul and Sourav clearly looked short of match practice. Their attempts to feel for the ball brought their downfall. Quality time in the middle should do them a world of good, if they want to keep the barking dogs at bay. They would know this more than anybody and its almost panic button time if they don’t get their act together. This pair might share a unique record of making their debut and their last appearance in test matches together, if things don’t brighten up for them personally.
Sachin, an enigma these days, is not his self for quite some time. He paints a bleak picture of his past, which doesn’t augur well for the team, especially in the given circumstances. The team is down 1-0 in the ongoing series and this match is crucial to square the series and push to win the series in the third, later. Being a big match player, he would hate to miss out a good contribution off his bat in the second Innings of this test, if need arises.

Their game is very much intact. It is just that they need to call upon it at the right time. Playing at the highest level for so many years takes a heavy toll on the mind more than body, which very few could handle. And they did and will continue doing it as only they can. The storm is just round the corner, Rahul-the purist, Sachin-the genius, Sourav-the God’s touch, should take us into an exhilarating delight we are used to, all these years.

The central figure

Come Sunday, history is going to be rewritten on Wimbledon center court. History beckons both Federer and Nadal. One might break the record, long held by Borg, of 5 consecutive Wimbledon championships and one might equal the record, once again, long held by Borg, of winning French Open and Wimbledon titles in the same year. Whichever way the championship ends, Borg is the central figure who shares the limelight along with the winner.

Any match between Federer and Nadal is sure to tap high voltage tennis, matching the expectations of the crowd. And this match on Sunday on the Wimbledon center court will have all the ingredients that mark any fierce contest. Roger, without dropping a set so far in the tournament looks good for a straight sixth and Rafael, playing like never before on his worst surface has lost only one set in the second round against Gulbis. The equations are pretty even.

Federer has won twice against Nadal in the previous years here on his best surface and Nadal is riding high with exceptional ability on the court and defeating Federer consistently, almost everywhere else in recent times, other than on grass. Considering a lot of factors, both stand an even chance of getting their hands around the coveted trophy.

It all boils down to one fact; who will handle the pressure better on that particular day. Though, as an after thought, Federer has a better chance of reigning supreme again here at Wimbledon, his second home. Fingers crossed, we need to see the fact unfold itself on Sunday.