Not Just Another Pretty Face

Rafa is Wimbledon champion!

Rafa and his signature trophy-biting pose. (Photo from EPA)

I've often wondered what goes through the minds of tennis greats when they are playing in these finals of finals at the most prestigious arenas that they can ever play in.

Watching the finals of Wimbledon on Sunday night, I could not even begin to imagine the sheer mental effort (on top of the obvious physical exertion) that Nadal and Federer somehow conjured up in their 4 hour 48 minutes match, the longest finals ever in the history of Wimbledon. I found myself musing as the match dragged to the fifth and final determining set after two rain delays at pivotal points in the game, "What could possibly be running through their minds now?" Are they thinking about all the effort, sacrifices and relentless training they've both put in so to reach this point in their tennis careers and how they simply had to win or are they just thinking innane stuff like what they're going to have for dinner after the match?

Hence, it was with interest that I read the excerpt of what Rafael Nadal, Wimbledon Champion 2008 wrote on his Times Online Wimbledon blog after his quarter-finals match with Andy Murray.

Lot of thoughts from last year came to my mind and believe me I felt good. It is funny how you (I do at least) always remember the good things from past situations. It is true that I also remember the bad ones but when something was in the end positive I tend to retain in my head the good memories. Well that's what happened to me today thinking about the rain and Wimbledon. True that I didn't win last year, I was close, but I still remember the good things.

I find it awe-inspiring that in those crucial moment at the Wimbledon finals, Rafa could possibly be thinking happy, happy thoughts to fuel him on mentally. I think it's pretty amazing how far positive thinking can bring you. Some motivation for me to be a more positive person! :)

I'm so happy for Rafa. I thought he thoroughly deserved the win...though I also felt for Federer, impeccably sportsman-like but still unable to hide the crushing disspointment after the match that was reflected on his beautiful, beautiful face. *sigh*

Labels: Inspiration, Random Stuff

posted by N.J.A.P.F. @ 4:25 PM