Sports fest

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jethro's picture

I have been absolutely spoilt for sport on TV this weekend.

Last night, Venus beat Serena in the Wimbledon ladies final and the Tour de France got away in 2008 for the first stage, a non prologue stage for the first time since 1967. A fascinating race as the breakaway group was reeled back in and the race won by Valverde in an almighty sprint.

b_06_fedNadal_01_reuters_t_melville Tonight I had a massive problem. 3 different channels broadcasting major sports events simultaneously. The Silverstone British Grand Prix, a very eventful race in the on and off again rain. Lewis Hamilton drove a very safe race to come out eventual winner. His tyre choice could have been questioned but proved the right combination in the end.

The second stage of the 2008 Tour de France was as interesting as yesterdays first stage and saw Thor Hushovd win in a close sprint.

Finally the men's Tennis. I didn't watch most of the first set, only switching over occasionally, but Roger Federer lost the first set to Nadal. The unthinkable continued with a second set taken by Rafael.

Roger came out firing in the third set knowing he needed an early break and to win 3 sets in a row. The last time Roger dropped the first two sets at Wimbledon was in 2002.

I started writing this 2 games into the 3rd set. Roger has been playing some amazing tennis, very precise and methodical but Rafael can seemingly just pull impossible shots out his bag. His ability to hunt down and return wide shots is amazing. He doesn't just return them either, he returns them with cross court winners that are beating Roger!

Roger himself seems amazed at some of these shots and has been heard to call out "No" despairingly as he does everything required to win the point and Nadal still returns them. Its 3-2 to Federer now with Nadal serving and Roger had 2 break points but let him get to Deuce. With the advantage Federer dropped a volley to bring it back to Deuce. Advantage to Federer again with a down the line forehand. Nadal hit a base line shot that Roger challenged unsuccessfully. Deuce again. This game is turning into the deciding game I think. Nadal returns with the advantage and then Roger hits long to give the game to Nadal. 3-3.

Roger's serve and volley game is being taken apart. I have never seen this happen before! Nadal quickly gets to 0-40 and has 3 break points. He drops the first with an unforced error. The tension is palpable. You can sense that this game now will win Nadal the match if Roger cannot save the break points. He does and gets to Deuce, quickly takes the advantage and serves to win. 4-3.

An easy service win to Nadal takes it to 4-4. Federer served a similar game to take it to 5-4. If he can break Nadal's serve and win the next he can stay in the match. But wait! Rain! The covers are brought out and the game is suspended. Aieee! What next? I might post this and return with the results in a separate match.