July
the 14th, 2019 – The day that would be remembered for two of the
best sporting spectacles in the world, both hosting their respective
championship finals, happening in the same country, even in the same city, and
guess what, heck, both were at their thrilling best too, at pretty much the
same time!
We
had a World Cup final and a Wimbledon final happening concurrently, with surely
a good chunk of the world riveted to at least one, if not to both the sporting
treats together.
Look
at what happened on Centre Court, Wimbledon on Sunday: Anyone who watched it
live, would consider himself (or herself) lucky: For, on the one hand, you had
a champion player – a player at the peak of his powers, the World # 1, a player
who is extremely respected for his talent and abilities. Yet, even more
renowned his personality, affability and tenacity: Novak - true champion -
Djokovic.
On
the other, you were witness to the old warhorse, a sprightly 37 (in a week’s
time, 38) year old stalwart, a living legend, and another genius, who is such a
sublime performer that his game has transcended itself to be called an art.
Blessed with the ability to make everything look graceful, elegant and easy on
the eye, he is someone who is and will always be remembered for his touch play,
along with his pulse on outwitting placement and immaculate timing, as much as
for his big booming serves and returns. Another true champion, another
superstar: Roger - all-time great - Federer.
Both
ND and RF are well-known for their down-to-earth, funny, genuinely humble, and easy-going
nature. But on court, while their gentlemanly conduct never dissipates, both are
also fiercely competitive, giving their all to each and every point, to each
and every shot, game after game, set after set, match after match.
Sunday’s
Final was a perfect testament to their character, talent, and perseverance.
Eventually, Novak held on, after saving two championship
points and after channelizing all his reserves of energy and abilities. This
match was well and truly worthy of being the final of the tournament.
Typically, one would be lucky to have seen such a close
match on any day. Even as an audience, one is so heavily involved and invested
in the match, that irrespective of the result, once the match has been done
with, the audience is also pretty much spent. One does not have any more energy
nor does one even expect to be involved in yet another humdinger, on the same
day, in fact not just that but even right after the first match.
So, there you were: same day, same city: another sport, another
match: another fitting final of ICC’s marquee event – the 50-over Cricket World
Cup!
Again, it’s rare to have a tie in any match, let alone World
Cup Final (an obvious first-of-its-kind). What made it even rarer was the fact
that the Super Over, meant to decide the winner after the regular match’s scores
were tied, was also tied!!
And, if any more drama was ever missing, it was left for the
last: the fact that the winner was decided based on an absurd and illogical
rule, which left everyone (except the English) baffled and even sad for the Kiwis.
From a fortuitous overthrow, to an incorrect interpretation
of the rulebook by the umpires, there were too many rarest-of-rare cases together,
which happened to always be incompatible with the Kiwis’ liking.
However, in yet another exemplary display of grace, dignity,
composure and true sportsman spirit, the NZ team, led by their unflappable
skipper Kane - Gentleman – Williamson, the Kiwis just showed how even if you might
“lose” a match, you could still win hearts and become true champions.
To all such athletes who were in action in both the Finals
on July 14th: You’ve been great ambassadors for your sport. Well
done, well done, well done!
