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We Will Remember
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The Prince of Madrid
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The Prince of Monte Carlo
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Winning and Staying Honest in America’s Game
April 1, 2013 | 1 comment
Sports Arena
The Man of Majorca
Get on top of your game, and nothing can stop you — short of rain, that is.
(Page 2 of 2)
“You know, ones you win, ones you lose, but the more important thing is to try to take the best out of these matches and enjoy them, you know, because as a tennis player, this is what you live for.”
Not at all bad, for a young man whose first language is not English, to render the idea that it is not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game…
And I think, too, of Nadal’s generosity, as when he addressed his fans: “Well,” he said, “unfortunately I have never traveled to Ecuador, but I hope that one day I’ll visit the country. So all the best to Ecuador and all of my fans. And thank you very much.”
My thinking exactly. And for the final score at the legendary French Open, the Internationaux de France in the blessed and beloved west end near the Porte d’Auteuil, you can look it up.
About the Author
Roger Kaplan, a Washington-based writer, covers the Middle East and Africa (and tennis) for The American Spectator.
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MMinCanonCity| 6.11.12 @ 1:51PM
I was in Melboure in 2008 and watched Novak win his 1st Grand Slam. He beat Tsongas in 4 sets. In the run up to the final, my feeling was these 2 guys were so classless, it was a shame they both couldn't lose.
In the ensuing years, I've watched Novak mature into a pretty classy tennis player-not so much for Tsongas. His game has also vastly improved in the past 4 years and his relentless power is amazing.
I was very lucky to get into tennis just at the peak of Roger's arch. Novak OTOH, I've been able to see grow into the great tennis player he has become.
Still, I'm happy Rafa got his 7th this morning but man, he lost 8!! straight games-eagerly looking forward to the grass now.
David T| 6.11.12 @ 2:37PM
Thank you, Mr. Kaplan, for your reports. I enjoy your tennis commentary very much. I'm so glad RET and Wlady force you to go to Paris every year.
I'm very happy Rafa and Maria both won this year. I predict they'll do the same at Wimbledon.
Mistral| 6.11.12 @ 2:37PM
Rafa is a man who never under-estimates his opponent. In addition, he is gracious in both victory and defeat. He is a real champion.
Waht a pity most American sports people do not take a cue from this great sportman.