If you didn’t catch it, there were lots of ridiculous shots in the postponed-then-delayed, U.S. Open men’s final.
Both Rafael Nadal and Novac Djokovic managed to extend points well beyond the anticipated, or even realistic, expectations. I’m not alone on this thinking. Commentators calling the match reiterated this point time and again, as Nadal and Djokovic did it again and again.
And throughout all of it, my co-workers found my thrill in watching the play unfold highly amusing. What can I say, I’ve been watching tennis since I was a kid, and I have the highest respect for the athletes who play the game. It is physically grueling and mentally draining.
Monday night, Rafa Nadal became only the seventh player in the history of the game to win each of the four majors at least once — and he entered that elite group with a bang. His coveted U.S. Open title, the most elusive of the four for the Spaniard, capped off a year of tremendous tennis. He won the Roland Garros crown in France, went on to win at the All England Club, and now he’s a champion at Flushing Meadows. Nadal becomes the first player since Rod Laver in 1969 to win three straight Grand Slam titles.
Here’s what I also learned: No other man has ever won consecutive majors on clay, grass, then hard court. No one.
If that’s not mind-boggling success, I’m not sure what is.
Monday night, Nadal’s smile during the trophy presentation seemed to jump through the TV. And who wouldn't be smiling? He has nine major titles and is 24 years old. There could be much more history to be written. I’m just glad I was watching when Monday night’s history unfolded.
