I feel sorry for you Roger

Whoever who watched yesterday's match between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer would agree its a match of a lifetime. For all those who paid more than $300 a seat got their's money worth. Most people thought Roger would be the top tennis player that ever lived and Roger would not let go of beating Pete Sampras 14 Grand Slam titles. But now, people are starting to wonder perhaps Rafa might be THE ONE.
Rafa really showed his mettle yesterday, especially after playing the longest match of 5 hours 14 minutes in the history of Australian Open just 2 days ago against Fernando Verdasco. He proved to everyone that it wasnt a fluke he earned his world ranking no 1.

The two men battled like gladiators for 5 games with each of them taking 1 set in turn. They went head to head at every point and in some cases to earn one breaking point, they battled through 5 or more deuces. It was tension at every shot. Finally Roger weakened his game in the last game with double faults and missing shots. Maybe he was already beaten inside, reliving the fears of his last battle at the French Open and gave way to Rafa.

What was heart wrenching is Roger coming to the mike and sobbed uncontrollably. He only managed to mutter the words "God, it's killing me." I swear anyone's heart could have gone to him at that moment. He continued to cry until he was pulled away to settle down. As gracious as he is and as gentleman as he is, he pulled himself together and went to the mike again to congratulate Rafa and thanked sponsors, the tennis legends, fans, crowds and vowed that he will be back. "I don't want to have the last word; this guy deserves it," Federer said. "So, Rafa, congratulations. You played incredible. You deserve it, man."

At 22, Rafa has 6 Grand Slam titles under his belt, while Roger has only 1 at the same age. Are we witnessing the next tennis legend after Sampras? probably yes.

There are two sports which I have grown to love and feel passionate about in the recent years. Tennis and cycling - it was athletes like Rafa, Roger and Lance Armstrong that makes these sports so entertaining.