Delaying tactics...

...'cause I need a 'moment'.
=============================================================================
by PAM

I know I should be talking about Roger Federer's record-setting 8th Wimbledon Title - his 19th Grand Slam over all.  Yep, his 19th won at SW19 - a feat that only he has achieved so far in the Open Era of the sport.  I posted something on Facebook... but I can't even write a proper caption.  I re-tweeted something from @Wimbledon on Twitter, but I know it's not enough.  I need a moment... surely, any tennis fan must understand, it's an emotional occasion for me: I just witnessed tennis history unfold.  I mean, history, man!  It's probably worthy of World History, too, given that Sports has become a big part of 'pop culture'... and the world has become a big 'pop world'.

So, yeah, I'm gonna need a few days to drink it all in... keep re-playing that magical moment on Centre Court of the All England Club - on my computer, and in my head.  It's just way too special to be treated as 'just another summer' in Wimbledon.

So, while I allow myself to be all-sentimental about this latest history-making achievements of RF, please allow me to share with you a few laugh-out-loud, aaaww and 'whoa!' moments in Tennis 2017 that I've enjoyed tremendously so far.

                               Fan:    "Go, Roger!"

                               Stan:  "He's not here.  You go to Rod Laver."

Stanislas Wawrinka (Stan, "The Man") is hilarious! 😂 My goodness, I almost choked laughing at this.  I didn't see it coming, I just kept the videos roll... and then this one above from the Australian Open (AO) 2017 came up.  It seemed that somebody confused him with RF when it was announced that he was Switzerland's #1 male player, which was correct, given that RF took six-month hiatus prior to AO 2017.  Or, perhaps the fan was disgruntled that he was unable to get a ticket at Rod Laver Arena.  I love it that Stan didn't miss a beat, and just replied matter-of-factly.  And he even made an effort to point to the Rod Laver Arena. 😁 Seriously hilarious!  He was runner-up to RF at the BNP Paribas Open 2017 last March.  His trophy acceptance speech, in which he called RF an "as---ole", also cracked me up.  Seriously, "The Man" is funny!

While I was gallivanting in Italy last January, the first Grand Slam of the year was happening in the land down under.  The AO is a special Grand Slam in its own right because it heralds the new year of big occasions in the tennis world.  Of course, the highlight of that occasion in Oz was the meeting up of the old 'rivals', RF and Rafael Nadal in the men's singles final.  And, because it's the most 'epic' rivalry in tennis history... and, perhaps, one of the most gigantic in all of sports world, there were many "whoa!" and "aaawww" moments and other stuff... which begin with their matching pink tennis shoes.  Aaawww! 😊  But, this one here was one of those so unforgettable "whoa!" moments...

Whew!

An epic 26-shot rally, played as if it was happening nine years ago!  Their speed was blinding, the intensity nerve-wracking, and the excitement heart-stopping.  The guys just seemed to have gotten better... and they're both over thirty years of age!  It was a competition that could've gone any other way, given the level of intensity in how both men were playing.  But this rally was extra-special because RF fired a gorgeous winner and won the point - on Rafa's serve.  And, AO 2017 was extra-special because RF won his 5th AO title, which was his 18th Grand Slam title - a record. But, of course, as we all know by now, he just topped that with a bolder stroke in history books in Wimbledon.

But before we get to that, I think I'm going to have to shut this blog down if I didn't put the 5th set of the men's final at AO 2017 up here.  So, here it is...

"It's perfectly amazing...Federer flying in the court again now...

...oh, yeah, we are all really fortunate to be seeing this right now...

...the remarkable Roger Federer!"

But more than the trophies, historical wins and all the glamour of being 'Roger Federer, the Champ', what draws multitude of loyal fans to him is his grace... good looking and carries himself well, so urbane, talks intelligently, funny at times, and seems to usually do the right thing at any occasion.  He simply commands respect.

I'm going to update this post at some point.  But for now, this will suffice because... 'I need a moment', truly. 

Excuse me.  

*victory dance* 🙌🎊🎉✨🍸👌

***
Video credits:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.

***

Game on...

...in Wimbledon!
==========================================================================
by PAM


It's been a while, and I need to really do this!  I need to write about Wimbledon 2017, especially that so much drama has been unfolding.  It wasn't even quarterfinals yet, and Rafa Nadal has been ousted already... and it was in 4.5-hr five-set epic of a match with Gilles Muller.  My heart went to Rafa... seriously.  And yet, I'm very happy for Gilles Muller.  He did fight a good fight at SW19, but it wasn't so much his tennis as his resolve to win that was absolutely impressive.  What with Rafa, who just snatched an unprecedented 10th title at Roland Garros, on the other side of the net?  Rafa Nadal was looking and moving imperious on court - looking absolutely unbeatable.  Muller really packed a steel of nerve in his mental game, and just fired away.  He was rewarded in the end... but to the dismay of the multitude of Nadal fans who watched their idol walk out of Center Court in defeat at the end of the match, and it was only the Round of 16.

Gilles Muller was eventually beaten by Marin Cilic in the Quarter-final.  And then, one by one, the 'big four' bowed out.  The defending champion, Andy Murray, fell in the hands of Sam Querrey in another

Garbine Muguruza: A new ladies tennis superstar is born...
and she took on both Williams sisters in the 'big courts'.

five-set slug-fest in their QF match.  A few minutes later, Novak Djokovic retired from an elbow injury after losing the first set on a tie break and the first two games in the second set to Tomas Berdych in their own QF.  That left Roger Federer as the only 'survivor' of the 'big four' into the semi-finals after beating Milos Raonic in straight-set.

Yesterday was the big Semi-final matches between RF and Berdych, and between Cilic and Querrey.  RF beat Berdych in a straight-set while Cilic was given a run for his money by Querrey in a four-set thriller.  These leave the Gentlemen's Championship match to be truly special with RF on the verge of making history with a record-breaking eighth win at Wimbledon, and 19th Grand Slam titles overall to his name.  On the other hand, Marin Cilic could be the first player in fifteen years to win Wimbledon outside the formidable 'big four' in Men's tennis. So much is at stake... so much to look forward to.  Game on!

But, today, the spotlight is on the women.  The really charming, Garbine Muguruza of Spain, set up a championship clash with five-time Wimbledon winner, Venus Williams. Garbi, the 2016 Roland Garros winner, clashed with Serena Williams at SW19 two years ago, and she finished as a runner-up to the mighty Serena.  Now, with Serena on leave, Venus was dominating the All England Club among the ladies.  But, Garbi was unstoppable today... she walloped Venus, big time, 7-5, 6-0, and snatched her first Venus Rosewater Dish.  She carried her trophy as if it was meant for her... one would think that she was born for this... to be a Champion at Wimbledon. And, what a beautiful champ she is, too! 🎾🏆

Congrats, Garbi! 🎊

Here's a piece of that adorable Spanish charm...

"...once I go to a big court, I feel good.  I feel like that's where I wanna be.
That's where I practice for. That's where I play good."

***
Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the Wimbledon video link.
Photo credit:  The photo was snapped on tv screen during the live coverage of Ladies Championship match in Wimbledon by Fox Sports via Skycable - thanks.

***

And Andy grabs the big green one...

...for the 'first time'.
===================================================================
by PAM

It must have been truly special for Andy Murray, as he hugged the Wimbledon Gentlemen's Singles Championship trophy to himself, after beating Milos Raonic from Canada in this year's championship in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-2) at the All England Club.  

The temperamental Scot was absolutely emotional from the time he raised his hands in victory, more so when he received his trophy.  One would think it was his first time to win the championships when, in truth, it was his second time.  The first time he won in

To win the second time is sweet, one can cry.

Wimbledon was three years ago, in 2013 - against the Number One player in the world, Novak Djokovic.  The year before that, he was runner-up to Roger Federer, who collected his 7th Wimbledon title to equal the record set by Pete Sampras in 2000.  Prior to this, Murray and Federer clashed at SW19 for the 2012 Summer Olympics where the Scot emerged on top of the Swiss Maestro to win his Olympic gold for Great Britain. It was a big win for Andy, and for Team GB, too.  But the man and the country remained wanting for more, hungry for more, thirsty for the 'big green one', the one that belonged to the British soil.  Both finally quenched their thirst when, after 77 years, Murray won their first Wimbledon - and from a back-breaking, nail-biting terribly exciting of a contest with the 'iron man' himself, the World #1, who was perceived by many then as utterly unbeatable.  That year, Murray took the Wimbledon title as the reigning Olympics gold medalist - only the second tennis male player to do so in the open era, after Rafael Nadal.  Now, he is the first male tennis player in the Open Era to win SW19 twice as the reigning Olympics gold medalist.  

In 2013, when he collected his first Wimbledon championship trophy, it was for his

country, and only a little bit for himself.  UK had waited long enough to see a Brit win in

Dave Cameron, the outgoing Brit PM, took the jeering with humor.

the most revered tennis court in the world.  Before seeing Murray win in 2013, the whole nation would usually express their 'eloquent disappointment' whenever he came up short within mere inches from the trophy... and it drove him over the edge, making him not just temperamental and moody, but utterly sulky.  His self-doubt was almost tangible, palpable, always muttering to himself on court at every error - forced or unforced... and the whole tennis world grieved with him, while the Brit crowd expressed how unforgiving they can be.  Such is the terrible cruelty of the British public when their lofty expectations are not met.  Andy knows this, that was why he felt compelled to sort of defend the outgoing British Prime Minister, David Cameron, when he was jeered at by Brit fans when Andy acknowledged his presence. 

But, yes, in 2013, UK's #1 son in tennis finally delivered the goods: he won Wimbledon for the 'first time'... and it heralded a national celebration that freed Murray from the 'obligation' to win any more.

Therefore, when lady luck favored the Scot to get a hold of the Wimbledon trophy once again, he hugged it to himself - this time, he won it for himself.  This one he will keep as his, and his alone.  This one he will actually enjoy, and the taste of victory in garnering it he will savor with true gusto.  And we all rejoice with him - nuts of tennis fans that we all are!

Congrats, Andy!  Enjoy your victory... you so deserve it!

***
Photo credit: The photos are a screen captures I took from the live telecast by Fox Sport - thanks.

***

Stan-ning...

...for the love of clay!
====================================================================
by PAM


Yep, I've been paying attention - I swear! :) 

Uh-huh, of course, the allure of the beautiful red clay distracted me some from my deadlines, what d'ya think!  I did see a little of that Roger Federer-Gael Monfils fourth round bit before passing out from exhaustion, working on something... and, of course, that Novak Djokovic-Andy Murray semi-final bit, too.  Before that, I was admiring the courage of David Ferrer as he battled Murray for a place in the semis, and how great it was to witness that muscled battle for a place in the semis between the King of Clay', Rafael Nadal, and the king of... uh, 'everything'?  As in, everything - now - Djoker, of course.  I remember being a bit shock as I watched Djoker unseat the King of Clay... whew!  I know that Nole has beaten Rafa a few times... but never in Paris, well, not until this year anyway.  And, the minute Stanislas Wawrinka secured a place in the semifinal, at the expense of RF, I knew he had a chance in conquering Paris... notwithstanding Djoker or Rafa and Murray.  The pounding of Jo-Wilfred Tsonga by 'the other Swiss' in their semifinal duel was a clear warning to Djoker that capturing Paris was not going to be a walk in the Park.  What with Stan's canon backhand?  

That dazzling 'dirt' in the City of Light...
...and the men that make it special.

I gotta admit though, great as tennis's big men were, and magnificent as they were on clay, they didn't have my full attention.  I was quite distracted by my-- well, ya know what - my work, what else. :(  Old news, old excuse... and, just what do we do about it?  We'll know in a few months... but that is not the point of this post. :)

Goin' back to tennis... I'm really glad to see 'Stan the Man' triumph in Paris, congrats to him!  He may have reduced RF to a mere QF-er, but the same feat kind of crowned him as the next victor of Paris... for it has become a pattern, whoever beats Federer in the QF or Semis, goes on  to win the final.  It's like an anointment to become a champion... the way Djoker rose to being the Number One player in the World, the way Nadal became another legend of tennis, the way Murray found and embraced his own greatness, the way Juan Martin Del Potro found the Champion's way.  They all had to go through the Swiss Maestro.  I know, I'm biased... too much of an RF fan, I am, admittedly. :)

***
Photo credit:  I took all the photos from the live coverage of the French Open 2015 by Balls, Channel 34 on Skycable.  

*** 

2014 Aussie Open: Yep, I'm paying attention...

...oy, oy, oy!
============================================================
by PAM

Yeah, I've been following the matches at the Aussie Open...

Stan attacks... Djoker stretches to a split to respond.
It's cut-throat down there in Melbourne, whew! 

I just can't find the time to sit and write about the matches... but, yeah, I'm paying attention.  I loved the QF match between the defending Champ, Novak Djokovic, and Stanislas Wawrinka (Stan, the man), which finished just a couple of hours ago.  Stan got Djoker stretched to his limit right there... but I had a feeling Djoker was unprepared for the mighty Swiss attack launched by 'The Man'.  If Stan could keep it up... and I think he will with Tomas Berdych, he might just find himself in serious trophy-grasping contest with the world #1, Rafael Nadal... or, maybe, El Maestro himself, Roger Federer.

'The Man' is through... and I don't think Berdych could stop him.

'The Man' is in his elements... awesome!  He'd might just be the 2014 Aussie Open's version of Juan Martin del Potro in the US Open back in 2009... we'll see.  'The Man' is scary... in a totally unscary and, actually, exciting way!

***

QOTD

QOTD #14: The 'landscape' is once again evolving in the Tennis World.
=====================================================================
by PAM 

"That is the trouble with being a world-class tennis player in the modern era. Eight years ago, Andre Agassi made the final of this tournament without beating anybody ranked higher than Tomas Berdych, then a promising 19-year-old who stood at No. 34 in the world.

"But those were the days before Roger Federer had changed the whole rhythm of the sport by going to the last four of every single slam, every single year. 

"His patterns have since been imitated by his two closest peers – Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic – so that there is rarely any such thing as a free lunch anymore, particularly in the hard-court events. You have to beat the best in the world, and keep beating then, set after set after set. This explains why modern slam winners tend to come from a small group of names."

         -  Simon Briggs 
            Tennis Section
            The Telegraph
            September 7, 2013

After watching RF exit in the Round of 16 at the 2013 US Open - the last Grand Slam in the calendar - via Spaniard Tommy Robredo's racquet, something snapped somewhere in my heart.  :(  Yep, RF has become "human"... he was chasing the ball with speed less than what's required, and returning it on the other side of the net with the accuracy of an amateur.  Oh, boy....  The once impeccably clean look all throughout the match, with hardly a drop of sweat, is gone... he was sweating like an old cow - unbelievable!  It was hard to watch... so, I stopped watching somewhere around the third set... when I was quite certain that the RF I knew was not going to show up. :(  But, oh well, I already released him

The changing (changed?) landscape in Men's Tennis.
(Images source: Zimbio.)

from the "bondage" of my tennis "idolatry" last year after watching him fetch his 17th Grand Slam title - in Wimbledon no less. Therefore, he is now "free" to lose in the Round of 16. I watched him exit Wimbledon as a defending Champ this year - in the 2nd Round!! I sat through it all - without breaking down... so, I'll survive this one, too.  Besides, like what Simon Briggs pointed out, RF is the one who changed the tennis world to what it is today - highly, highly competitive, with innovative training for ultrapowerful players, and hi-tech racquet with 'new materials' utilized by the players.  Therefore, RF revolutionized tennis to an exciting sport that a fan can be unashamedly passionate about these days.

Speaking of ultrapowerful players, in one of the semi-final matches the other night, Stanislas Wawrinka gave Djoker a serious run for his money.  The World #1 was 'Stanned'!  It was a grueling five setter, 2-6, 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-3, 6-4!  And boy, did I know exciting!  Djoker prevailed in the end... but, in my opinion, it was a victory for Stan, 'The Man'. After 'Stanning' Andy Murray, ending the latter's hope of defending his "King of Queens" crown, en route to the semis, the 'other' Swiss made Djoker doubt his chances at getting his second US Open title - that's for sure!  Rafa, on the other hand, had an easier QF round with Richard Gasquet , finishing in a straight-set win. So, he will come into the Final fresh and good, and ready for "guerra". He is a hard-to-handle "red-hot" energy on a roll, too, not losing a hardcourt match getting into the US Open.

So, it will be another bionic man vs. never-say-die warrior Nofael Djodal marathon Championship match then?  Yes, it is!  Man, I can't wait! :)        

Oh, and I just completed 'four centuries of blogging', and starting a new one... this is the 401st entry in this blog. :)

***

My world of sports...

...can it get worse? ==================================================================================
by PAM


Tennis, football... what on earth is happening?  It feels like the planets have been re-aligning or something.  Yes, of course, I've been paying attention!  I just didn't have enough leisure time to supply the sports ingredient in my blog these days.  But today, I feel I need to make time for it... or the balance in my world would tip to the dangerous 'burnout' end.  I have to say though that all is satisfying in the work front as far as outcomes are concerned... but burnout is slowly creeping in, too... and it's not even one year yet.  I'm feeling the pressure on my body... and it doesn't feel good. 

Therefore, bring on football and tennis!

***
Alright, football first... let's break it down.

First, Sir Alex Ferguson retired, ending his 27-year tenure as Manchester United's big boss... but that happened ages ago already, it seems, at the rate things are going in the football world.  It's just that Foodball Captain chose to write about David Beckham's retirement - only - when the 'shake-up' was happening.  I needed to rely on FC that time just because I was too busy with my 'day job' to write about my sentiments.  Oh, well... what can I say, except you go for what's in front of you... and complain later? :)

Second, Pep Guardiola, my man, finally started his stint with FC Bayern Munich last month... and it felt odd to see the cule legendary coach mentoring the already 

Pep Guardiola (5th from left, 2nd row) is the Bundesliga

Champs' new boss.

(Photo credit:  grabbed from Daily Mail UK.)

'perfect' Bundesliga current champions... okay, not to mention the UEFA Champions League holders, too. Okay, in fact, they are treble winners last season.  So, there, big job to keep that up - perhaps, even for Pep!  Pep was greeted by a jab on the face by Bayern Munich's reserve goal keeper, Tom Starke.

On the other hand, Barça's future seems uncertain, even when they regained the Spanish La Liga Primera crown back to Camp Nou (yaay!)... an achievement that contributed to the shortened stint in Madrid of the, now confirmed, not-so-special-one, Jose Mourinho, who is now back at Chelsea FC's helm.  Yep, when a 'Pep news' comes up, somewhere, somehow, a 'Mou news' pops up, too.  But, who cares?  About the Mourinho out-of-Madrid, gone-to-Chelsea piece of news, I mean.  Well, it matters to Roman Abramovich, obviously... and, perhaps, John Terry, who was assured - not - by Mou of being in the first team.  Alright, here we go... more colorful drama at Stamford Bridge next season!  Bring on the popcorn!   In the meantime, we wait in giddy anticipation of the Bayern Munich-Chelsea match soon... and the Bayern Munich-Barça match even sooner!  Big matches, alright.  Hah, sorry work, you just gotta share time with football now - seriously! :)

Third, so many player movements across teams and Leagues... and even across continents!  Barça's very good home-grown young midfielder, Thiago Alcantara, for instance, is now Pep's new recruit - from Catalunya to Bavaria.  David Villa now plays for Atletico Madrid.  Brazil's current best player, Neymar, is Barça's newest 'boy wonder #2'... Lionel Messi being (and always will be) #1.  How would that figure in Leo's false 9 position in the Barça scheme... we shall see - soon enough.

Fourth, Tito Vilanova's cancer so sadly recurred... and he had to step down as FC Barcelona coach two days ago to resume treatments. :(  Oh, boy... talk about uncertain future!  That piece of news was

Snatched from the touchline by a horrible illness... anims, Tito!

(Photo credit:  Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

the turning point for me.  It made me decide to snatch back some of my personal time from my 'day job' to write something here!  Just when I'm beginning to really, really like Tito's calmness, and his thoughtful and serene-looking face in a handsome stance on the Barca touchline... he leaves!  What's more, it's all because of a life-threatening illness. :(  I feel guilty for not writing about his stint with Barça, which I appreciated and enjoyed, too.  The Barça players lead the football world in wishing Tito the very best... because, as Andres Iniesta points out, in the end, this more about a man's life rather than just football.  Anims, Tito! 

Now, the search is on for the next Barça coach. Who would it be? I hope it'd be Rubi. His ideas seem fresh, and his personality seems right for the Barca philosophy: work hard, observe discipline, be a teamplayer, keep ball possession and bring it to the goal, play well - to win... and play beautifully.  He seems to be passionate enough about leading and leading well a great football team, and he seems to have enough youthful energy to match that passion.  He could be in the same wavelength as most of the key Barça players.  He has Pep's aura... not to say that Barça needs to look for another Pep, because there is only one Pep Guardiola... and he is now in Allianz Arena in Bavaria.  Just look for one who respects the Barca philosophy, and will keep it alive and well.

Man, I lied low on my 'football thing' here for a few months, and I came back to a completely new world of football!   Whew!  But, life goes on... the ball rolls on the turf, and the men kick it to keep the beautiful game alive and well.  Therefore, we hope for the best... and we get ready for schedule adjustments to accommodate football in my sked.  I'm excited!  :)

***
Next, tennis...

Yes, yes, and yes, I have been paying attention to tennis, too! 

And yes, I did follow the French Open and the Championships at Wimbledon... alright, I admit, I did an unacceptable in-and-out (of consciousness) in the middle of matches.  I was just too tired to stay awake most days... but, hey, I exerted tremendous effort to stay awake.  That should keep my "licensed" tennis fan status! :)  

I have to admit that I almost fell from my seat when Roger Federer exited Roland Garros in the quarter-finals.  But, I was totally, totally awed by the greatness on clay by Rafael Nadal!  He was sooooo awesome - on clay - the greatest ever, in my book!  I'm so glad he was back to play strong, and regain his seat as one of the Top 4 players in the world.

Ooops, I know, I know, I spoke too soon... because Rafa exited Wimbledon, a few days later - in the (freak of a) first round - against an unseeded player!  Imagine?  A day later... there went the defending Champ, Roger Federer, out of Wimbledon, too - in the second round!  Ow!  Just a year ago, after bowing to Andy Murray in the London Games to claim the silver medal, the King of Grass was back, and made history by claiming his 17th Grand Slam in Wimbledon - the most GS ever by a male tennis player in the Open Era.  This year, he was not good enough to overcome the challenge of another unseeded player, 'causing him to slide down the ranking to #5 - for the first time since 2002!  Ow, ow, ow!  Too bad, there hasn't been enough time for the world to watch the cute antics of his adorable twin girls.  Oh, well....

There's a saving grace though... Juan Martin del Potro is towering tall again on court, giving Novak Djokovic a spirited run for his money in the Wimbledon semis, and the Andy Garcia look-alike, the beautiful Spaniard, David Ferrer, went up to #4 in the ranking, for the first time... and played in the semis in Wimbledon - for the first time, too.  Woot-woot!  And the biggest tennis drama of the year went off from the tough, tough racket of Andy Murray... he claimed his FIRST Wimbledon Cup - the first British man to win in more than 70 years!  Woohoo!  You can just imagine how happy Judy Murray was... immensely happy - maybe, happier than Andy himself! ;)  By the way, that was heartfelt, the woot-woot, I mean... CONGRATULATIONS, Andy!  :)

Alright, I have work to do *sigh* .... ciao!

***

Talkin' like April...

...under the PI sky.
=========================================================================
by PAM


Did you miss me?  :) 

Sorry, been busy... uhm, relaxing.  Emphasis on the 'relaxing' rather than the 'busy' part, mind you.  Yep, I know the meaning of the word 'relaxing', too, believe it or... don't!  :)

Soul vacay with soulful people. 

So, yeah, you joke around, sing at the top of your soul, eat like there's no tomorrow, shop cheap, and talk non-sense with really nice, humble people all weekend long... and your awareness of how wonderful this life is transcends mere knowing, it becomes true conviction.  Uhm-hmm, yeah, that's experience talkin' right there, my friend!

Yep, I had a chance to spend a couple of days away from that tiring den of bulging egos, and it was awesome!  :)  Then again, "that den" doesn't necessarily have to be dominated by a few bulging egos... we have wonderful people - humble, productive, sincerely focused on serving, and serving well.  I had a chance to bond with 35 of them for two days, and it energized me tremendously.  We did nothing but talk... 'talk like April' - warm, sparklingly light, cheerful, and relaxed.  For the first time in many days, I didn't have to pay too much attention on what I had to say or do... no one was waiting for me to err so they could have a chance to pounce or berate me like it was a precious prize to be able to do so, no one was thinking I'm too lucky that a killer whale should swallow me alive, no one was secretly wishing I'd drop dead. :)  It was blissful!  Whew!  :)

This life is teeming with good things, good people and good deeds.  I'm lucky to be working with so many incredible souls... soulful beings - pure, real, sincere and honest.  Or, perhaps, I'm lucky that I learned to focus on them rather than on those who think so highly of themselves... those who take it their mission in life to ruin our day - every single day - with unabashed conceit and unbriddled selfishness.  I'm lucky I've learned how to put them on the faded area of my peripheral vision, so they don't count... much.  Ah, life is good... thank you, oh, Lord!

Here's a little remnant from that uplifting 'soulful vacay'...

"A hundred days have made me older... a thousand lies have made me colder,
and I don't think I can look at this the same."

For as long as the good outweighs the bad, and more good people than bad surround me, this is all worth it.  Therefore, we proceed... vamos!

***
Did you say 'vamos'?

I had a chance tor see the Monte Carlo segment of the ATP Masters 1000 series, where Novak Djokovic dethroned the long-time champ, Rafael Nadal in a straight-set win, 6-2, 7-6 (7/1). 

Okay, so I'm a hardcore Roger Federer fan, but while I've always been a Djoker believer, I've always been a Nadal admirer, too.  Therefore, seeing Rafa lose that tournament made me feel sad.  It was the end of the Spaniard's 46-match winning run in MC... kinda bitter-sweet day for a tennis fan - the end of one great player's reign, the beginning of another great player's reign in that little clay kingdom of Monte Carlo. 

Coming back from a long hiatus because of knee injury, Nadal looked a bit rusty.  I know, it used to be unimaginable to think of 'rusty' and Nadal in one sentence a few years back.  Now, however... just picture this: with a nicely set-up game that was supposed to end in an overhead smash to kill Djoker in the second set, Rafa jumped, reached for the ball, smashed... and sent the ball straight to the net!  Aw, boy!  Obviously, he was not in his 100% winning form - yet. 

On the upside, the long time away from the tennis courts gave Rafa's skin a nice glow... and he seemed to have loosened up a little bit, wearing a pair of shorts that showed more thighs than usual.  Not all that bad.  I hope he recovers his form 100%, in time for the 2013 French Open.  In the meantime, there's Barcelona... vamos! 

***

June 28, 2012...

...what was wrong with you??? ====================================================================
by PAM


The morning after....

Now, it feels like I floated blindly through one of the most "anomalous" days of tennis and football yesterday! Now, watching BBC's Sport Today in bed, I still ask myself... what the heck happened???  ;) Uhm, ahem... sorry, please excuse my language. It's just that it really feels strange how these catastrophes came like an unexpected avalanche. :/

***
Wait, weren't they supposed to "fire at will"? 

First, Mario Balotelli took Italy to the Euro 2012 final with a brace of goals in a "whoa-whaaat" semi-final match with Germany in Warsaw, Poland! Yes, yes, and yes, sir... to THE EURO
The explosively brilliant German "young guns"...
...gunned down in Poland - by the Italian "Mafia".2012 FINAL!!  And, yes, AGAINST GERMANY, too!  Yeah, that team that was captained by Philipp Lahm and which had Mesut Özil, Mario Gomez (yeah, the real "super" one), Bastian Schweinsteiger, Manuel Nauer, the toast of World Cup 2010, Thomas Müller, and a host of other incredibly talented young players. Yes, them, who are Europe's hotshot young players... who have played their way into the semi-final round like they were on their way to winning the EURO 2012!  Their performance yesterday was lacking in coherence and depth against Italy's solid defense and aggressive attacks with very defined purpose... plus the "veteran" goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon, was a "beast" out there! 

I am mightily disappointed by the outcome because I really like that 'breath of fresh air' that these German boys generate on the pitch, I do love the way they play... just like I would've loved seeing them going through to the final in South Africa in 2010... if only the draws were worked differently, and they weren't up against Spain in the semis.   Uhm, ahem... perdón, "Mama España", I didn't mean to sound like I wasn't rooting for you because I was then, and I am now! And will do again in 2014! :) I just thought it would be fantastic to see Germany's exciting "young guns" playing Spain's tasty blend of "fine wine" and "new brew" at the Euro.  I was imagining getting "sweetly intoxicated"! :) And without the "Lionel Messi factor" this time, make that a truly, unadulterated European "intoxication" right
La Furia Roja de Mama España - European Champs...
...still the side to beat!there!  Who else could give you that these days but Spain and Germany, whose pool of talents in their own Leagues are of high concentration of talents from their own countries - the best of them all?  But, apparently, Joachim Loew had a real reason for feeling stressed out all the time... and I thought he was "over acting" a bit considering what a talented team he's managing!  These boys seem to be a bit prone to panic when stared down by the 'big guys' with passionate purpose... I still find it disturbing how Manuel Nauer stood immobile when Balotteli & Co. was gunning for an Italian goal   Aaargh...  Or... it's as simple as a case of Italy remaining to be a massively strong pillar of European (and world) football despite the tumultuous sea of controversies that their National Team had to navigate a couple of months before travelling to Poland and Ukraine, which is very good, too.      

Sunday foodie...

...a string of unsavory situations turned into a sweet foodie day.
===============================================================
by PAM

Not a very good day today... first of all, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao lost to Timothy Bradley in a badly-judged bout in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Tsk!  The Philippine "National Fist" should really protest that fight!  And Bradley should return that belt - it doesn't belong to him!  What an additional disgrace to the already "ugly" sport!  And, oh, I didn't even see the match live... I was working at the Research Center, figuring out what it takes to give coconut water "eternal freshness"... yes, on a "national sacred day" of a Pacman fight, too! ;)  Oh, well... first things first!  And, the coconut water is worth it - it is.  But that isn't why this post was classified as "Sunday Foodie".   

Second of all, rain interrupted the Nofael Djodal Brofight at Roland Garros, and the score froze at 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 2-1, with Rafa Nadal winning the first two sets... and Novak Djokovic losing - umh, his temper - and getting warned for racquet abuse!  A proof that the weather and tension situation at Roland Garros was close to desperate... even the usually cool headed Nadal also lost his temper, complaining to the chair umpire about how heavy and soggy the balls were getting due to the light but steady shower.  And when the match was suspended due to bad weather - finally - the Spaniard gave the match official an earful and walked hurriedly out of the court - bitchfacing to the max - looking eager to disappear before losing it completely and exploding with extreme annoyance.  The #1 and #2 in Men's tennis will be resuming their brofight tomorrow.  Oh, well.... 

2012 French Open Semis...

...and the "dirty" road that led to it.
================================================================
by PAM


So, here we are finally... into the "for the Big Boys only" Round at the 2012 french Open.  Yeah, there were "big girl" matches, too, of course... but they're a bit too "girlie" for my adrenaline rush need right now.  I know, I'm bad... I should be more supportive of Women's tennis. I know I should, I want to... but how?  See, ya don't know how either! ;)  

***
Sliding on dirt... to the final round!

It's the semis.  Of course, it was probably reasonable to assume that former (*sigh*) #1 in the World, Caroline Wozniacki, was out of the contest already?  Uhmm, yeah.  It's the 'all-big-girl' part of the Slam, so what d'ya expect!  But so were the Williams sisters - out already... a long time ago, in
Sara Errani, ferociously 'upsetting'. fact.  But, hey, so was the four-month immediate former #1 in the World, Viktoria Azarenka!  (another *sigh*)  The over confident VA (uh, yeah, she is!) was ousted in the 4th round by the little lady from Slovakia, Dominika Cibulkova, who also ousted the then #1 Wozniacki last year in Wimbledon. Incidentally, this fiery #1 in the World eliminator went all giddy meeting Lionel Messi in Barcelona a couple of months back during the WTA Barcelona tour. Cutesy! :)  Cibulkova, in turn, was downed by the reigning "Queen's Queen" from the Land Down Under, Samantha Stosur.  The in-form Aussie, who was getting a lot of positive attention (she should!) for her powerful playing style was shockingly ousted by the seeded 24th Italian, Sara Errani, in a three-set upset.  Dang!  Then again, Errani was already showing a lot of grit and nerve of steel, ousting former #1s, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Ana Ivanovic on her way to the semis... so, Sam ought to have been more careful with the Italian gal, after all, another Italian beat her in Roland Garros final two years ago, Francesca Schiavone.  I guess, the Italian spirit is too powerful for the Aussie's precarious nerves.

So, yeah, Errani and the most dazzling poster and pin-up (or is it 'Pinterest' now?) girl of Women's tennis for the longest time now, Maria Sharapova, are up for a red dirt face-off in the final!  So, yeah, one more day of beautiful sight against the French red powder backdrop that hurts the... uhm, ears. ;)  Having powered her way to the SF, through a big challenge from Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic, winning Roland Garros would mean "personal Grand Slam" for the leggy Russian Goddess of Beauty who speaks with
The new #1 in the World, Maria Sharapova.overdone American twang.  I'd go for Rafa Nadal's lost-in-translation Spanglish anytime, no?  You?  I heart Rafa! :)

Also, a Sharaaaap-aaaaw win would mean that the new (yes, again! *sigh*) #1 in the World in Women's Tennis, with enviably flat belly, would be a current holder of a Grand Slam silverware, with three more in the cabinet, completing shiny silverware pieces from all four surfaces.  It would be a great advertisement for Women's Tennis... here's the #1, young and beautiful, charming and lovable, and undeniably highly accomplished on all tennis court surfaces.  Dazzling on the red carpet, ferocious on the tennis court - whatever surface it is.  Grande, no? Si, si! Vamos!  :)

Therefore, good luck, Mariaaaaa-aaaaw!  Ooowww, caramba, my ears... that hurts!  Mute button, quick! :)

***
Some a-blah, a-blah.... like I know what I'm talking about!

David Ferrer vs. Rafael Nadal in the semis?  This one was a little bit easy to predict.  The defending Champ from Spain, Rafael Nadal, hasn't dropped a set on his way to the semis.  While the other 'Clay Specialist' left in the tournament, David Ferrer, also from Spain, did a good job ousting British #1, Andy Murray, in their QF match... unsurprisingly, I must add, 'cause it was the clay surface after all  (and it's Andy Murray?
David Ferrer... focus, efficiency, win.yeah, that, too), the adorable little Spaniard, who works so hard on the court, always after the ball, just didn't have the variety of shots to handle Nadal's heavy clay artillery... and we're not even talking about Nadal's shipload of shimmering reserves at the dock!

Ferrer plays powerful baseline game, in spite of his size, which apparently is enough to earn him the #6 in the World honor today, which is huge considering all those talents in men's tennis these days.  He is efficient in his game, and his speed behind the ball could easily put his opponents on the defensive, but the lack of shots variety and less than impressive groundstrokes make him predictable.  While he is one of the best serve returners in the business, his own serve isn't powerful enough to win him easy points when the going gets tough.  When taking on lower ranked opponents, these issues aren't much of a problem for Ferrer, because he normally just rushes to 'demolition mode' efficiently to score a win before his opponent realizes what was going on... but for the more seasoned Grand Slam specialists, high-ranked opponents, dismantling the Ferrer game is easy. In fact, Murray showed more variety in their QF match... but Ferrer's focus, consistent tenacity and willingness to go after the ball, and overall efficiency proved to
El Maestro... he who started "it" all. be the more effective weapon over Murray's hot-cold-colder-and back-again emotional, often defensive, approach to his game that usually prevents him from dynamically and smartly analyzing his opponent's game to launch the perfect attack.  Plus, clay is Murray's least favorite surface.

Talking about dynamic court analysis of an opponent's gameplan, Roger Federer is the smartest of them all.  The Swiss Maestro wins not only because he had powerful shot artillery... but understated because he doesn't make noise when he unleashes big shots.  He wins because he can come up with a winning tactical gameplan as soon as the first game in the first set was played.  He deploys his weaponry smartly and strategically per his gameplan, and calibrates and recalibrates dynamically as the match proceeds.  He plays a "cerebral game"... that's why he is almost emotionless when he is playing.  So, I imagine, RF's opponents do not get tired so much physically as mentally.  Therefore, the most effective way to defeat the Swiss genius

"Ball-iful" day...

...and what a day, too! :)
===============================================================
by PAM


So, I woke up to this video today... 



...so Nike shows us what happens when the 'beautiful game' meets the 'game for the gentlemen' with Rafa Nadal and Cristiano Ronaldo - on grass.  Then again, we have already seen that happening before in that Gillete commercial of Roger Federer and Thierry Henry (and Tiger Woods) sometime back... although there wasn't a "major action" like this one with Rafa and CR7. 

Alright, yeah, yeah, yeah... let's include basketball in the mix.  Why not?  Since Michael Jordan is no longer active, for as long as Lionel Messi is in it, it can be 'beautiful', too! :)

Aw, ball-iful! 

Alright, I think I have enough inspiration and energy now to work in the lab... even when most people are already on vacation!  Hmmm... I'm one of them, 'lucky ones'. ;)

*** 

Video credits:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.

I heart 'Nofael Djodal'!!!

As in No(vak)(Ra)fael Djo(kovic)(Na)dal! Woohoo! ========================================================
by Philipina A. Marcelo


After those nerve-wrecking, energy-zapping, killer semi-final matches in the Aussie Open men's singles, I was preparing for the "worst" in the final match between World #1, Novak Djokovic, and World #2, Rafael Nadal.  Djoker emerged winning a physically punishing five-set, close to five-hour, 'contest of wills and firepower' with British #1, Andy Murray the day before.   Nadal, on the other hand, pushed the 16-time Grand Slam winner, Roger Federer, out of the contest in their four-set 'war of wills and tennis tactics' two days back.  It was going to be Djoker and Nadal's third meeting in a row in a Grand Slam final... the first two:
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal...
all set to make history. Game on!Wimbledon and US Open last year, both claimed by the Serb.  He also snatched the #1 in the World spot in the men's singles ranking from the Spaniard on his way to claiming his first Wimbledon cup.

Both men suffered from physical problems here and there on their way to the first Major of the season in the Land Down Under.  Except for a knee problem scare a week before the Aussie Open, Nadal seemed to have regained health and speed since their slugfest in Flushing Meadows, while Djokovic didn't seem to be suffering from any major problem, except for little allergy complaints here and there.  So, yeah, both men in great shape, physically and mentally, both reaching the final via incredible semi-finals.  Therefore, I was sure it was going to be explosive, and it could easily mess up my recovery from flu... but I didn't want to miss out.  So, I elected to tough it out rather than regret missing a potential classic! 

Let's do another "as it happened" - sort of.  Here goes...

They're on... meeting at the net, briefed by Chair Umpire.  Djokovic won the toss and he elected to serve the first canonball.  Alright, good luck, gentlemen... may the toughest prevail!

***
FIRST SET....  and they hit the ball running!

First point to Djoker, which he cancelled out with an error... and another error, 15-30.  Big Djoker forehand there that Nadal failed to chase... one more, which Nadal returned wide, 40-30... big serve, and shove his service game in the bag. Nadal opened his service game with an ace, whew!  An error from Djoker made him go on a deep thought over the Nadal topspin, which he didn't seem to figure out 'cause he
The Djoker, taking off to a blazing start.returned a Nadal serve long. Another ace... and the Spaniard put his service game in the bag!  Djoker's turn... Nadal kept his shots low, forcing Djoker to commit error on his serve, 0-15.  A big winner from Rafa Nadal, just a couple of inch from the sideline, 0-30.  Big serve and a follow up, 15-30.  An ace, challenged by Nadal, but call stayed, 30-30.  Big winner... and a swagger - from Djoker, 40-30.  Nice serve and a follow-up, and Djoker held.

At 15-15, on Nadal's serve, a huge rally erupted, drawing ooohs and aaahs for those acrobatic moves from both... and Nadal prevailed!  The Majorcan followed up with an ace, and another one, 4-4.  Djoker returned to the baseline by opening with an ace, too!  Whoa! Testosterone alert!  A nice Djoker shot that Nadal returned wide... and then a beautiful winner from Nadal, 30-15!  Fantastic return from Rafa Nadal, 30-30.  Djoker retaliated with an ace, which he quickly cancelled out with a forehand sent just wide, deuce!  Awesome rally - a volley from Djoker, chased by Nadal, which he sent back to the corner in a drop shot, picked up by Djoker... and then sent to the sideline by Nadal in a magnificent winner!  Aaaawww!  The big point was quickly cancelled out by a return of serve sent long - ow!  Back to deuce.  Another swing of points, a poor follow up from Djoker, back to deuce.  A BIG RALLY, Djoker blinked first, advantage Nadal!  An error from Djoker - a costly one.  And Nadal broke the Djoker serve, 3-2!  Fist pump!  Game on!  

Enraged at himself, Djoker peeled off his shirt and smashed his racquet - the heat is on so early in the match!  Nadal opened with a supposed ace, which was called out, and he disputed, he won, 15-0.  Another blow to the Djoker ego right there.  But the Serbian forced Nadal to commit an error, 15-15... and quickly cancelled out his effort with an error
The Majorcan warrior, came on sprinting...
swinging powefully.of his own, 30-15.  Nice rally - dropshot from Djoker, picked up by Nadal... and sent by Djoker crosscourt that Nadal cannot chase, 30-30.  Nice return of serve, sent by Nadal on top of the net, and over the line - breakpoint for Djoker!  Nadal saved it quickly with an ace... an error from Djoker, and an error from Nadal, too! Back to deuce.  A fantastic return of serve, laced with topspin, which Rafa Nadal cannot control... advantage Djoker.  But Djoker committed a big error... deuce #3.  Rafa Nadal followed up with a fine serve and a killer forehand - winner!  Djoker retaliated with a smashing return of serve - back to deuce! A 173-kph serve from Nadal... and then a brilliant crosscourt volley - winner from Djoker - and it was deuce #5!  A Nadal ace, followed by a Djoker error... and Nadal held, 4-2.  Whew!  I thought the whole match would just freeze there - at deuce!  A great serve and a follow up from Djoker, which he quickly cancelled with a running shot just wide.  A nice serve and a beautiful follow up sending the ball on the opposite side where Rafa just regained his balance to return the ball, 30-15.  Terrible squeaks of rubber against the floor, and Djoker killed a shot in a mini rally, followed up with an ace - the beautiful Djoker eyes blazing now, 4-3! Man, I'm loving these Djokovic-Nadal matches... at least, I do not have to stress out as I would if Federer was on the opposite end of the court of either of these great athletes here   Let's do this more often, fellas! Cheers!

Nadal served with new balls now. Djoker drew the first point out of the Nadal serve.  A swing of points, and it was 30-30.  Nadal squeezed one in, which Djoker sent to the net, 40-30.  Djoker forced an error out of the Nadal forehand with a well-calculated backhand, followed with a similar ploy on the next point using forehand this time, and it was breakpoint.  Rafa quickly returned into his service game with a fine shot and a point back, which he cancelled out with an error.  He quickly amended that with an ace... but couldn't control a big Djoker forehand, resulting in another Djoker breakpoint... a big return of serve and a follow-up, and Djoker broke back on his third try, 4-4!  Whew!  Two big rallies on Djoker serve,
Focus, intensity... power!both won by Nadal in tremendous points!  Djoker got lucky in the next turn, forcing an error from Nadal!  BIG RALLY - scary ball hitting from both players!  I do not have the heart for this killer shotmaking, fellas!  Let up!  Djoker prevailed via Nadal error!  Whew!  A fine serve and a fantastic follow-up... another one, and Djoker held, 5-4!  Wow!  A Serbian swagger, a Spaniard bitchface.... and the Rod Laver Arena shook.  

Nadal came back with a terrific service game, forcing Djoker to commit errors.... and he finished with a big winner, 5-5!  Djoker went back on the baseline for his own service game... two big points, one equaled by Nadal by forcing a Djoker error, and then Nadal banged in a winner with a nicely set-up shot, 30-30! And then, with a miscalculated shot that was punished by Nadal, the Mallorcan earned a breakpoint! Nadal broke Djoker for the second time in the set with a great shot, 6-5!  Nadal took his chance to close the first set... beautiful shots, one after another, from Nadal... a tremendous crosscourt winner later, and he had two set points!  Djoker came back, forcing error off Nadal - successfully, and it was deuce! Whew!  A big error from an angled shot by Djoker, and Nadal earned a set point.  And then, on the 80th minute, Nadal struck a big serve to win the set... and the right to scream a big scream of relief for drawing the first blood in the championship match!

Whew! What the heck? Don't tell me that was only the first set!  Huh.... dang, it was!

***
SECOND SET...

Djoker opened with a bang, and another one, and then a flop, 30-15.  A rally, which was won by Djoker via an error from Rafa... a fun exchange, with the point conceded by Djoker, and then an ace to save his service game, 0-1.  Rally, rally, and Nadal conceded two points to Djoker on his serve, 0-30.  Nadal gunned for a big serve returned wide by Djoker... and exchange of shots, and Djoker prevailed - two breakpoints
Energy, precision... domination!for the Serb.  Huge rally - again - Nadal saved one, and another, served up an ace, and he was up.  An error from Nadal and it was back to deuce... two aces, and he saved his service game, 1-1.  Djoker served big, claiming the first point with a terrific winner right at the corner in a huge rally! An ace, and an error from Djoker, and it was 30-15.    At this point, I got lulled into trance by the mesmerizing bounce of the ball, I left the iPad on my sickbed while I stood up to get a better view of the TV screen... before I got absolutely electrified by a beautiful winner from a Nadal backhand - down the corner!  It was 30-30 on Nadal serve... And then, all of a sudden, Djoker broke via Nadal errors, 1-3!  Haaaaaaah, this is a gruelling, gruelling match... even just to watch it! Yaikks!

Djoker opened with two incredibly big points, one of which nullified by Nadal... ok, make that two with an awesome point won by Nadal in a mini rally!  Whoa!  The Spaniard is not giving up!  Djoker then squeezed out an error from Nadal via a big forehand sent at the corner that Nadal could not return... and then one more of that, and he saved his service game, 1-4.  Dang, this is fantastic tennis, I swear! Mesmerized again for a while... I lost track of the score.  Woken up by a great Nadal winner, on his serve, at 5-2, 15-30... Nadal pushed Djoker back and then hit a fantastic winner on the corner, 30-30.  Later a big controversy, at 40-30, Djoker returned a Nadal serve in a big way, which Rafa thought was out.  Nadal challenged the call more than five seconds after the point was played and Djoker protested to the Chair Umpire with a, " he can't do that."   But the Chair Umpire insisted Rafa can... but the
String sting...zing!eagle eye showed the Djoker return was in - deuce.  A vindicated stare from Djoker, a wince from Rafa!  Dang, drama!  A couple of 'deuce-advantage whoever' swings, and Nadal finally saved his service game. Whew!

Djoker then opened his service game swinging powefully, two points won right away, one of which was equalized by Nadal with a fine shot, 30-15.  And then Djoker issued a beautiful drop shot after pushing Nadal far back behind the baseline - awesome winner!  But Nadal retaliated with big winners of his own, deuce!  Oh, god, how will this end???  And then Nadal won a big point via a fantastic crosscourt volley, breakpoint for the Spaniard!  And then Djoker double faulted, and Nadal broke the Djoker serve, 4-5!  Dang, this is fantastic tennis drama right here!  My heart is not healthy enough for this, pleeeeaaase, let up!  Hmmm... actually, it's awesome!

Nadal serves to go even on games in the second set.  After a Djoker error, at 30-30, Nadal served up an ace, 40-30.  But Djoker banged in a winner, which Rafa challenged, to successfully win back the point... deuce! An ace and an error from Rafa through a Djoker forehand, and a Djoker backhand winner and the Serb had a breakpoint... and then, Djoker won the game - and the set, with the awesome men taking one set a piece!  Whew! A helluva match this one is!  And I ask again, how will this end??

***
THIRD SET...

Djoker opened with a no-nonsense game, winning it in a straight forward, I'm-here-to-win-this stance.  Alright then, you're on, Djokerface!!!  Rafa took to the baseline... rally, both men grunting.  Oh, well... at this point, so, what's new? Nadal prevailed with a shot sent long by Djoker.  Mesmerizing tennis... I went on an involuntary trance, I just can't write anything - too overcome by awe, amazement, emotion... until Djoker prevailed, 6-2!  Oh, dear!  What now, Rafa??   

***
FOURTH SET...

Djoker opened with a big return of serve from Nadal. A big rally, great, great shots from both - I solemnly swear... and then a fantastic winner from Djoker, 15-15!  More great points, at 40-30, big rally... and Djoker was forced to commit an error, deuce! Another rally, Djoker prevailed... another rally, Rafa prevailed, deuce!  Whew!  Djoker held.  Rafa took his turn... Long rally as soon as the ball was hit - awesome!  Rafa sent a big winner at the baseline... only
Djoker, fighting back, asserting himself... forcefully! to cancel it out with a miscalculated shot of Djoker's return of serve.  And then Djoker took too much time to unleash a ferocious backhand to punish a Nadal volley - and he missed!  Whoa!  Rally... Nadal's turn to send a big backhand wide!  Oh, gosh!  Nadal unleashed an ace, 40-30, only to commit an error next, deuce!  Nadal pushed Djokovic to the corner and then rushed to smash a Djoker return to send it crosscourt, he went up a point.  Fist pump!!  The Spaniard then struck while the iron was hot with an ace!  A Majorcan scream, a Serbian shake of head, 1-1!

Djokovic now... ace after ace after ace, and it was 1-2! Nadal took to the baseline... squeezed in ace, winners and squeezed out errors from Djoker, and he held, 2-2.  Djoker took to the baseline... was struck with a Nadal winner up front, 0-15.  A nice serve and a blistering forehand for a follow up issued from the Djoker racquet.  Mini rally, a pick up by Djoker punished by Nadal with a terrific forehand, 15-30.  Djoker drew an error from Nadal, 30-30. An ace and an error from Nadal, and Djoker saved his service game, 2-3.  Nadal put on a punishing service game, asserting himself with winners and squeezing out errors from Djoker... saving his service game, 3-3.  Djoker took to the baseline, sending in great first serves for an easy hold, 3-4.   Djoker drew the first point off the Nadal serve... before we realized what was happening, Djoker took three breakpoints, 0-40!  Big rally, and Nadal unleashed the most ferocious
Calm, tight grip... power!forehand the world has ever seen to send the ball down the corner with a matching scream, beyond Djoker's reach!  An ace and an error from Djoker, and it was deuce!  Imagine???  Nadal hit two aces in a row... and he saved his service game!!! A muscled fist pump struck the thickly heated air, and a Majorcan growl reverberated in the Rod Laver Arena, 4-4!  By golly wow, what an awesome comeback from Nadal - five points in a row!  Are they still playing tennis out there?  This looks like something else entirely to me!  Seriously!

Djoker taking it to the baseline now... mini rally off his second serve, and then a longer one afterwards... a long return of serve, and it was 40-0.  A great rally, corner to corner, both players stretching and sliding... and Djoker chased a big Nadal forehand sent at the corner and punished it to the baseline before Nadal could react - awesome!  4-5... and a terrible tension, something was close to snapping out there!

Rally, rally on Nadal's serve... and Djoker sent a return long, 15-15.  Big serve... vamos!!!  :) an error from Djoker, and it was 40-15.  Whew!  Two ferocious forehand shots from Djoker sending the ball crosscourt drew a point off the Nadal serve - 40-30!  Rally, rally... a big Nadal forehand, a splitting return from Djoker, which he missed!  Aaawwwoooo!  A kicking fist pump and a Majorcan scream!!  5-5, gosh!  Rain delay!  Thank you, dear God... we all need this!

Djoker serving big... and then conceding a point, 15-15.  A fantastic forehand from Djoker, sending the ball to the corner, which Nadal cannot control, 30-15... a few more shots, and then rally - Djoker prevailed, and saved his service game!  Whoa!  These two are not letting up, I tell ya. Whoever wins totally deserves it... I don't care who wins, I'd "worship" whoever does until the day my world ceases to know tennis!  I love NoRa Djodal!!! :) Okay, I'm being a terrible fangirl now.  Calm.

Nadal took it to the baseline now to serve... he punished the ball whenever the poor thing got into contact with his
Vaaaamooooos!racquet - in an insane amount of power, I imagine, and he secured his service game!

TIE BREAK!!  Djoker won the first point... Nadal cancelled it out with a BIG, BIG point!  The next point was won by Nadal in a GREAT smash!  That took away the wind in the Serbian sail, ya can tell.  Rally... Nadal sent a return wide, 2-2!  And then it was Djoker's turn to send one long, 3-2!  Aw, gosh... this is a punishing, punishing tennis right here!  Nadal unluckily sent the ball on top of the net, and bounced ou - luckily for Djoker, 3-3!  I can't take it anymore!!!!  Nadal sent a return of attack wide... 3-4.  Rally... Djoker pushed Nadal to the baseline and then punished the ball with a killer forehand!  3-5... This is sooooo hard to watch!!  Rally... Djoker sent one wide, 4-5!  Dear God... I can't watch this anymore!!  Rally... Djoker committing an error, and a great serve from Rafa, 6-5!!   Set point for Nadal - aaawwwooooo!  And Djoker sent a return of attack wide... Fist pumps, vamooos!

Nadal won the set... and a lot of unbelieving hearts in the tennis world, 'cause that was surely one incredibly tough way to win a set! 

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FIFTH SET... 

Decision, decision, decision... this is "it", whether the men liked it or not - it will have to end here!  Good luck to both of them!

Nadal opened with a winner.  A nice return of serve, 15-15.  Rally, baseline, crosscourt shots, and then Nadal
Calm, comeback... fire!let fly a big forehand, 30-15.  An ace.. and a double fault, and then another ace.  Man!  It feels like Djoker's energy is going down, while Nadal's spiked up.  But then Djoker won his service game, too.  Uhm, what???  Dang, are we sure these guys aren't mutant - X-men sort of - or something? At 3-2, on Djoker serve, Nadal broke... 4-2.  WHOA!!! Vamos! 

And then, Djoker broke back, 4-3. WHOA, aaawwoooo!  On Djoker's serve, at 0-15, a 25-shot rally broke out, won by Djoker by forcing an error from Nadal... and then Nadal tried to come back with a great return of serve, but failed... two more big points, and Djoker held, 4-4!  On Nadal serve, 32-shot rally - say, what??  Nadal oulasted Djoker, 15-0.

Aaaaaaaaaah, it's the fifth set, the ninth game, and it's the fifth hour, and these guys are still engaging each other in a rally - and with punishing shots, too???  Insane, insane, INSANE!!!

Anyway, a Djoker dropshot didn't come in.  A big return of serve, 30-15.  And then, Nadal sent one
Flying high... for the win!long... so it was 2-2, 4-4, 30-30.  Nadal banged in an ace, cancelled out by Djoker with a beast of a return of serve forehand, deuce!  Rally... Djoker forced Nadal back, and then unleashed a forehand that was returned by Nadal wide!  Waaaaah, insane!!!  Nadal came back with an ace, deuce!  Gooooosh! I can't take it anymore!  Drop shot from Nadal, picked up by Djoker, but he can't make it bounce in, "advantage Nadal," said the Chair Umpire.  And then Nadal unleashed a big serve, overpowered by Djoker on return outside the baseline.  And Nadal held serve, 5-4. Wow, just incredible!

Alright, that's it, I 'give up'! I cannot take this anymore!  Sorry, Rafa, but  I'm just going to root for Djoker and get this done and over with!  Alright, "let's go, Nole, let's go!"    

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Of course, the minute I started screaming my support for the Djoker, my father, who is my fellow Federer fan in the house was puzzled, 'cause he was kind of leaning towards supporting Nadal after the Spaniard came back in the fourth set to force Djoker into a five-setter... and he sorta expected me to do the same.  But, like I said
Legends of the game, today... and always!before, after Federer, it's Djoker who gets my "fangirl-ish" admiration (except when he's uber-acting like a distorted version of Robert de Niro in his villain roles)... until Bernard Tomic decides taking his turn at the top, that is! :)

And so, Novak Djokovic went on to win his third Australian Open title - his third Grand Slam in a row since Wimbledon last year - and his fifth, overall... and he is only 24 years old. The incredible Serb just managed to edge out an equally worthy champion, Rafael Nadal, in a classic Grand Slam final, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5, fought with superhuman efforts and steel will to win from both unbelievably talented men... in 5 hours and 53 minutes - a record!

Seriously, after the match, I cannot help tears from falling... out of awe, excitement, adrenalin, exhaustion, joy... these guys just took tennis some place different.  I swear, the sport will never be the same again after this, and it's a GREAT TIME to be a tennis fan!  CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU, Nofael Djodal!!  You guys are AWESOME... like there haven't been athletes called AWESOME before!  Woohoo!!!

CONGRATULATIONS, NOVAK!  You deserve to be on top of the men's ranking  - salute!  FANTASTIC JOB, RAFA, you shine so bright and beautiful even in defeat - heart, heart, heart.

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Photo credits:  All photos were grabbed from the Zimbio website - thanks!

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