AAaaH...Wimbledon

Never played the game. closest that I've been to a Tennis court was the time i went into one to retrieve our gang ka basketball. But Wimbledon has always caught my fancy. To me it is the modern version of the Galdiator battles in a modern day Coliseum.

Martina Navratilova started it all, when she'd get into those marathon rallies with Chris Evert. My Grandpa, dad, uncles, aunts wouldn't breathe during rallies, lest their breath set in an unwanted topspin.

My favorite uncle modelled his hair on the lines of Bjorn Borg, long hair, bandana, wrist bands et al. Only...he played badminton. not tennis. Yes, that was an era when baminton too had wooden raquets and real feather shuttles.

Steffi Graf remains the family favorite given her fleeting resemblence with an Aunt during her college years.
'Fraulein Forehand' is the only player (lady) to win a Golden Slam in the open era. she made Martina Navratilova a thing of the Past, the (then) ultra hot Gabriela Sabatini a mere poster, and Martina Hingis an eternal wannabe. Now married to Andre Agassi- the one time "punK" of tennis but an all-time Legend for sure.

Andre Agassi- of the bald head and the baseline wizardry- Better than his best friend and arch rival Pete Sampras. Pistol Pete- King of Centre Court- a mantle he took over from Boom Boom Becker, who moved about Centre Court as if it was his bloddy Living room and others were trespassing.

Which brings the next question- about the reigning champ- Roger Federer. How good is he? well, since he equalled Bjorn Borg's record and staved off Nadal again to make 5 consecutive Final Championships..he oughta be damn good.

But then..it was Nadal's day and match..till lady luck decided to go along with Federer.
What's good about these players and few others is that Tennis now is no longer the power serve that it was in the 90's, where ubiquitious aces determined matches. These guys slug it out like the classic mathes of Connors Vs Mc-Enroe. Mastery of serve and volley, baseline hits, net runs and then some Aces when least expected.

But personally, no player has entertained as much as Goran Ivanisevic. no other underdog deserved to be and become Champion more than him.

No other player has made me wager my hair. I nearly tonsured my head in 1992. NO one believed Goran will win. My hair was an offering towards a miracle.

Goran's win wasnt a miracle. It was Goran at his Best. It was SIMPLY GORAN.