“Once you find that peace, that place of peace and quiet, harmony and confidence, that’s when you start playing your best.” – Roger Federer

The Citadel

Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing, New York – a magnificent octagon structure towering in stature and Tennis history. It is truly an embodiment of that place in Roger’s quote. That place of peace, quiet, harmony and confidence; all when a point is in play for a Game, Set or Match.

Rewinding the past

I have followed the sport for decades, especially the four Majors – Australian, French, and US Opens; and Wimbledon. From the days of black-and-white Television [with a shutter-door], to standard definition color telecast. From High-Definition, to 4K Ultra High-Definition with challenge and fan cams; the viewing experience has transformed multi-fold over time. Alongside, the dynamics of the sport itself has evolved. Finesse and touch paved way to power and speed. Traditional serve and volley virtually became history.

McEnroes, Connorses, and Chrissies passed the baton to Grafs, Beckers, and Edbergs; who were the cusp of two different genres of Tennis on either side. Then came Agassis, Samprases, and Hingis to battle it out within the realms of their style and substance. I reckon it’s classic natural course of evolution in anything man has touched.

The dawn of modern-day rivalries of Roger, Rafa, and Novak; and of Serena and cream of the women players, saw a paradigm shift in the sport. The big-4 constantly and consistently raised the bar very high for the sport itself, and for rest of the competitive field . The sheer passion to outsmart and beat the other is utterly matchless, and the world has witnessed many a close battles over a decade. I was hoping to catch at least one such battle live-in-action when we landed in NYC and arrived at Arthur Ashe over labor-day weekend. I must say, that hope will continue to remain as-is; and as a dream as well.

David vs. Goliath

Nevertheless, we landed a juicy Round-of-16 encounter – Novak Djokovic vs Stan Wawrinka – best player in the world battling out one of his old nemesis. I thought, watching Stan live-in-action was the closest to watching Maestro Roger Federer. So much resemblance in skill and style. I must say, watching Stan – in sublime form – on Television is much different from watching live. I was absolutely in awe of his play. I can vouch, no one could hit those crisp one-hand back-hands down the line, harder than Wawrinka. When Stan clocked 130+ mph serves consistently and hit second-serve aces, with Novak not getting into grove – Arthur Ashe stadium just erupted!

On that day, there’s nothing Novak could do to not stare into a 0-2 set deficit. On any other day, he’d have known, with certain conviction, that he had the stamina, drive, and desire to turn it around and register a thumping win. It wasn’t to be the case that Sunday. Much to the dismay of roaring Tennis fans, a cracker of a five-setter comeback win remained a dream. Novak retired, Stan was awarded the match and rest his now history. I bet all Federer fans would have a heaved a quiet sigh of relief. Roger vs Rafa was shaping up a possibility at the US Open final, for the first time ever!

Sunday – The Final

Today is the last Sunday of the tournament, and like decade-plus of past editions of the Major, there wasn’t a Roger vs Rafa final. There may never be one! At the same time, there may never be a final similar or better than the one that was played out tonight. Arthur Ashe Stadium stood like a citadel as history books were re-written. A 23yo Russian by name Daniil Medvedev hung tight, and fought it out with “King of Clay” Rafa. Close to five hours on the clock and after five grueling sets, Rafa lay his hands on the trophy. But not before, the young lanky Russian lad rode into the history books and fans’s hearts.

Quoting Arthur Ashe – “Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.” – Yes, there were two successors tonight and two last night. For tonight, there was one – the Spaniard – that reached the destination; And, the other – the gutsy Russian – who dug deep within himself and let the journey play out until last drop of sweat.

Last night’s success on the winning side was a monumental upset and a story of sensational magnitude. A 19 yo energetic and passionate Canadian – Bianca Andreescu – might have reminded her opponent, Serena Williams, of her own debut victory two decades ago. Although thoroughly outplayed, Serena rode a wave of success in her own way. Head held high and gracious in defeat, Serena walked off, just one more time as the second best player on that day. She is still not void of skill or will. If her body can keep at it – at the highest level – it’s only a matter of time before Margaret Court’s long-held record will bite dust. Nevertheless, as an ageing star is fading into sunset, yet another was born.

Advantage History

Civilizations sprung and thrived along rivers. Likewise, perhaps sports history is made around the banks of rivers. Two months ago, on a sensational Sunday mid-July, the world witnessed twin sporting glory on either side of the Thames in London. A spirited English cricket team won the Cricket World Cup by a clause in the rulebook amid controversy. Few miles away at Wimbledon, Roger Federer succumbed to nerves, inching to a resounding loss in fifth-set tiebreak. Tonight it was yet another moment of glory, just across the Atlantic, by the banks of Hudson.

The trophy is awarded, winner’s name inked on victory board, crowds dispersed, lights off and gates closed. However, Arthur Ashe and stadiums alike stand still. They are ingrained in history and bear witness. Only people walk away with meaningful experiences – their memories lighted and hearts delighted.