A fun post for today. Wimbledon 2008 is under way, and I think I’ll be rooting for Nadal. I think a lot of people are, since Federer has dominated the grassy knolls for the past few years. I like Nadal’s determination, he goes after each point and never lets up. Whether it’s his own service or someone else’s, he concentrates on each shot, even when he’s up two sets and leading the third. He’s clearly the best player on clay that has existed thus far, but I have a feeling that grass will soon be on his list as well.

My friend Marie and I went to a charity game between Sampras and Federer a few months ago. It was fun to watch, but as I was watching I realized how much has changed in the world of tennis. The rackets, the courts, the training of the athletes are completely different than how it was twenty years ago. I was also reminded of my own visit to Wimbledon eight years ago. It’s completely different than any other tennis event I’ve ever visited. The grounds are spectacular, the spirit there is palpable. I’ve never been to Roland Garros or the Australian Open, but I can’t imagine that the same magic exists there. The U.S. Open is definitely grand, but tennis is not as hugely popular here  as it is in the U.K. When Wimbledon starts in England, it’s tennis 24/7.

I’ve seen the greats at Wimbledon, Agassi, Sampras, the Williams sisters. It’s amazing to see the raw power that Serena and Venus can generate. Agassi can cover the entire court. The only two other players that remind me of that talent are Federer and Nadal. I predict Fed and Rafa in the final. It’ll be a five set match, two tie breakers, with a Nadal win. VAMOS! Anyone care to make a friendly bet?