A Classic Wimbledon Finale: Nadal def. Federer

PHOTO ABOVE COURTESY OF YSPORTS: NADAL REACTS AS HE WINS HIS 1st WIMBLEDON CHAMPIONSHIP

Define Classic?

Classic: A creation of the highest excellence

That's the only word i can think of when i was watching this match. Truly breathtaking. Remarkable. Amazing.

I'm a Roger Federer fan. He lost. I should be sad and upset but not this time. Either player deserved to win this grueling classic match. A match that was delayed by rain and suspended twice. Amazing Forehands, Service, Serve and Volleys and incredible impossible shots that these 2 athletes displayed in the most thrilling 5 set match iv'e ever seen which lasted for 4 hours and 48 minutes (not including the rain delays and suspensions)

Nadal got the first 2 sets in this match, threatening to sweep Roger again in 3 sets. However, Roger storms back with in the 3rd (winning it through tiebreak). Nadal threatened in the 4th set and was up 5-2 in the tie breaker. Roger stormed back again and wins this set highlighted by an incredible backhand slice return which caught Nadal off guard (Note: I thought Nadal had won the title at this point. He had a good serve. However, Federer had an unbelievable return)

The 5th set was crazy, with both of them holding serve until Roger commits an unforced error which created the opening for Nadal. Nadal took advantage and won his 1st Wimbledon championship. It was a very emotional win for Nadal and a heartbreaking loss for Roger.

R Nadal 6 6 6 6 9

def

R Federer 4 4 7 7 7

Roger said it very well: "I tried everything, it went a little late and everything, but look Rafa is a deserving champion, he just played incredible today…. He's the worst opponent on the best court, but it's been a joy again to play here, I know I couldn't win it under the circumstances, but I'll be back next year."

Rafael's response?: "This is my favourite tournament, for me to win on this court is a dream.... I'm playing in the same time as the best player in history, Roger Federer.... He's still number one, he's still the best, he still has five titles here, and I just have one."

In this match. I have seen something extraordinary and special. This was one of the greatest finals in tennis history.The respect these 2 players have for each other is amazing. I should say this sport is lucky to have these 2 players right now. The ambasaddors of tennis. The world # 1 and the world # 2. They're rivals but good friends outside of the tennis court.

Until then... See you on the US Open...

Blue Eagles vs. Archers (Round 1)

Ateneo vs. Lasalle (Round 1)

1st Quarter:

Game off to a weird start. 2 Freethrows by Chris Tiu before the tip off and guess what's the reason behind it? It's because the coaching staff of the Archers don't have any ID's with them?? What?! Anyways, My Blue Eagles are off to a fast start with Buenafe getting his first 2 points of his young UAAP career.

* Tiu prooves to us that he is a gifted shooter. Believe me, we need shooters like this in our team. The RP Team should get Tiu and that UP Guy who looks and shoots like Allan Caidic and develop them into great players and shooters this EARLY.

* Jobe Sherwin Nkemakolam is so thin right now. He shows us his new moves by being able to control his body and getting the shot in.

* La Salle manages to stay within striking distance as Ateneo seems to have not learned over the years that they need to take care of the ball. Ateneo has already 8 turn overs this 1st quarter and the sad thing, they are not caused by the La Salle pressure but by purely sloppy plays their players.

2nd Quarter:

* Baclao comes up big with a huge rejection over Rico Maierhoffer.

* The rookies of Lasalle shows maturity as they are able to withstand the pressure and handle the ball well.

* La Salle shows ADMU that they could hit the long ball with a high percentage. Mind you, their shooters surprise me.

* Ateneo tries to hold on through their captain Chris Tiu.

* La Salle ends the 1st half with a bang. A big run which caught the Blue Eagles off guard

Archers: 40Blue Eagles: 35

1st Half Recap:
BLue Eagles shooting is terrible at 36% but they are surviving through their freethrows. For them to win, THEY SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THE BALL AND NOT GIVE IT TO LA SALLE. It would have been better if they turn those over because of the La Salle pressure but they're turning it over coz of sloppy plays.

3rd Quarter:
* Baclao picks up foul #3. This is critical for the Blue Eagles as he is one of their biggest rebounders in the team.

* Rabeh Ahmed "Rabeh" Al-Hussaini just showed why he is an idiot for me. He is the most useless player in the Blue Eagles roster. He also makes stupid decisions such as shooting jump shots. The highlight of this quarter for him, he was wide open and all he needed to do is put the ball in the basket. Guess what? He did not make the shot and it was SHORT!!! TOO SHORT!! Get this guy out now!

* Blue Eagles rallies through the freethrow line and of course Chris Tiu. Tiu has 19 points at this point.

* It is also noticeable that coach Norman is not anymore using his rookies as often as he did in the 1st half.

* Just as i said Norman is not using his rookies, Buenafe comes up big time with 2 difficult shots. This kid has a future and will be the team's go to man soon.

* Ateneo ends the quarter big as Salamat just educated Atkins how to penetrate through the defense and score a lay up.

4th Quarter:

* Another weird start, Casio shoots 2 freethrows plus ball possession. It was because Black disobeyed the commissioner's order?. Narvasa is showing authority in this season.

* "Rabeh" Al-Hussaini is trying to prove me wrong. Comes up with big shots during the initial stage of the 4th quarter as the Eagles rally.

* Webb comes up with a big 3 point play. Besides being a rookie, this guy is too cocky.
* Salamat comes up big in a 10-0 Ateneo run. Salamat is one of the great slashers iv'e seen play in the UAAP.

* Just as he was about to prove me wrong, Al-Hussaini turns the ball over, commits bad decisions and is contented by just looking at the ball and not hustling.

* Tiu was fouled hard. Probably the turning point, made 2 out of 3 shots.

* Yuri Escueta. He did not do much scoring in this game. But again, he was big. Really big!! 2 big defensive plays and a rebound i never thought he would be able to take control.

Round 1 goes to Ateneo.....The difference? They were able to limit their turnovers during the 4th quarter. They forced the Archers into low percentage shots. I can't wait for Round 2. I'll see you....

Getting back into shape...

Trying to get back into shape:

Out of the blue, i just wanted to jog this day and be able to get back into shape. Yeah, i need to take care of my self first before i could take care of others or a special someone.

4:00 AM - I woke up. Turned on the TV. Went to the CR and took a bath. While waiting, i watched the Yankees and the Red Sox play on ESPN.

4:30 AM - Found my RK Jacket. Would definitely wear this one to really motivate my self. A lot of memories in this jacket (Knockouts, Front Kicks, Roundhouse Kicks and Axe Kicks all over).

4:45 AM - Yankees and Red Sox game got rained out (Rain Delay). I guess it's time to leave the condo.
5:00 AM - Started to exercise in front of the condo. THis is it!

5:10 AM - Slow jog going to Glorietta. When i reached PeopleSupport, i could feel the heat in my feet so bad. I did not stop. I walked my way through greenbelt and started the slow jog again.

5:45 - I reached Glorietta and felt good about it. Afterwards, i went to Salcedo park thirsty and sweating.

Around 6:15 AM - 6:30 AM - Reached Salcedo Park. Bought mineral water in 7/11 (It was refreshing). Bought food (Tuna => for lunch later / and Rice). I'll make it a point not to order extra rice anymore (God! this is the hardest...hahahahahahaha).

7:00 AM --> Just got back here in Kingswood. Would fix and clean my room this day but before that decided to write this blog you are reading right now.

You just read it. I better get start cleaning right now so i'll see you in my next entry. In case you are wondering, i'll make it a point to jog every weekend (at least twice) and be more conscious of the food i'm eating. Anyways, i'll leave you guys with things to look forward this weekend:

1. Gilbert Arenas arrives in Manila

2. Cubs vs. Cardinals (Weekend Series! Go Cubs! Jim Edmonds returns to St. Louis)

3. Venus vs. Serena in the Wimbledon Finals

4. Federer vs Nadal in the Wimbledon Finals (Go Roger)

5. UFC thisSUnday @ 10AM

6. and of course.. ATENEO VS LASALLE(Go Ateneo!! Animo Ateneo). Hopefully for the sake of the people, Chino and Quinito will not do the play by play for this game.