Of Heroes And Idols

Today was the final day of the last Grand Slam of the year in tennis: the US open at Flushing Meadows, New York City. I have always been a tennis enthusiast, and have also been playing it for the past few years. To me, this year's event was noteworthy for a number of reasons: a crowd favorite for two decades, Andre Agassi playing his last singles tournament; a super-stunning and equally talented Russian blonde Maria Sharapova winning her first US open major; the continued domination in the game of the one man who has all the answers, Roger Federer adding one more to record books; and a legend and an enigma in herself and an inspiration to millions, Martina Navratilova, 50 years young, winning a record 59^th slam.

I am no fan of Andre Agassi, and could not bear to hear his emotional rant after losing his 3^rd round match repeatedly telecast as part of a promotional advertisement all the way through the tournament. But the fact remains that his career in tennis over two decades has been awe-inspiring. It tells the story of a man with a passion for his sport, who has been at the No.1 ranking as often as he has been ranked below the top-100. Though his match-winning streak may have waxed and waned throughout, his popularity with the game-lovers never once abated. They always believed he would bounce back. And he did, to be the only one of his time to have won all 4 major slams. His tenacity, never-die attitude and the unique camaraderie is something that can only be appreciated.

Then, you have this 6'3” tall Russian teenager, who enters the court with a look on her face that gives away nothing, and a dress that would give any top-notch model a run for her money. If you saw Maria Sharapova in her Audrey Hepburn-ish black costume, you'd know why everyone, Russian, Indian or American were rooting for her. But not for that reason alone. She had the requisite tools to eliminate, rather annihilate the top 2 players in the world before rightfully holding that winners' cup over her pretty head. And when you hear that her parents migrated to the US when she was 9 only so that she could get the best training possible while still trying hard to make ends meet, you realize why her success story is so special. And today, it is not about the 1.7 million dollars she took home with her. Its about her sheer hard-work and single-minded determination to succeed.

Roger Federer is an unbelievable player. He is the one everyone loves to love. He is the best the sport has seen in a long while, probably be the best ever. He has clearly dominated men's tennis for the last 3-4 years, amassing 9 majors so far, 5 short of Pete Sampras' record 14 titles. When I watch him play, what amazes me is his calm demeanor as he hits the most effortless-looking cross-court backhand I have ever seen or as he varies the pace of his shots so superbly that his opponents look on rather stunned. I wonder if he has ever banged his racket in despair or shouted expletives in anger. Not that he would never have experienced it. The guy seems so unaffected by all the adulation and expectations and so very modest and humble about his tremendous achievements. In this era of power game, his opponents consider themselves fortunate to have taken even one set against him! For instance, he lost only 2 sets on his way to the crown, one set each to Americans John Blake and Andy Roddick. And did you know he can speak in 5 languages: French, German, English, Italian and Swiss?

Finally, if there is one tennis player who deserves a standing ovation for a sterling career, its Martina Navratilova. I remember watching her when I was five, winning her favorite Wimbledon title, one that she won a record 9 times. Today, she won her 59^th overall Grand Slam title (10^th mixed doubles) partnering Bob Bryan when she is just one month shy of being 50 years of age. She had previously announced that this tournament would be her swan song. Here's raising a toast to some exceptional athleticism and spirit that one may never see again in one's lifetime.