Monday, September 14, 2009

Edition 5 "The Wanted Man"

The US Open concluded this evening with a very unfamiliar face atop the championship podium. The great Roger Federer was defeated by the little known, gutsy 20 year old Juan Martin Del Potro. Del Potro devastated the great champion's quest for yet another historic record of a 6th US Open title and his 16th Major Championship. Time and time again Del Potro pulled out big forehand after big forehand to defeat Federer. Del Potro seemed to have ice in his veins and showed no fear.


Federer, as always, being the great champion he is, was extremely gracious in defeat and gave credit where credit was due. Many people do not understand the complete dominance of Roger Federer and why he is the "Most Wanted Man" in sports. Federer had won 40 straight matches in Flushing Meadows entering today, which was a record for the US Open. He also has made it to 17 of the past 18 Grand Slam Finals. That means that he has made all but one of the major finals in the past 4 and a half years. Talk about a model of consistency. Has Tiger been in contention in every major he has played in lately? I seem to remember him missing the cut recently.

Unfortunately, on this day, as he went for US Open title number 6, he appeared flustered at times and had a meager 13 aces, with an astonishing 11 double faults. It is widely uncharacteristic to see Roger Federer hit even 4 or 5 double faults in a match. In addition, Roger had 58 unforced errors to his 56 winners. Today was not to be and Del Potro came with his A game.

Federer goes up against hungry opponents in each and every match he plays. No matter who this great champion plays, the person on the other end of the court realizes that by winning on the particular day he plays Federer, it will be the greatest victory of his career. For Federer, if he wins, he was supposed to win, when he loses, its an upset of cataclysmic proportions (except against Nadal on clay).

Federer seems to relish in this wanted role, but it definitely makes things more difficult for him. He always gets his opponents best match and still ends up victorious nearly every time. Hats off to Roger Federer for staying on top with the bullet on his back for nearly 6 years now. This man is far from finished and has a couple of of more great years in him.

Roger will continue to be "The Most Wanted Man" in sports, even with the tough loss in today's final.

My question for you is could you deal with being "The Most Wanted Man?"

Stay tuned for blog edition 6 coming soon.

-Kraze

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