Star Sports was telecasting the highlights of the 2001 Wimbeldon Final earlier today. The classic clash happened between Goran Ivanisivic and Partic Rafter. It was 4th time lucky for Goran, who lost once to Andre Agassi (in 1992) and twice to Pete Sampras (in 1994 and 1998).

I started watching tennis over decade ago and almost ever since had been a fan of the stylish left handed player. I was glued to the televison for every one of his Wimbeldon finals and always loved his interviews.

I dont know how many ppl know this, Goran when he started playing tennis professionally did not know english. He learnt it for interviews and anyone who has seen his interview will agree with me that he is probably the best speakers of the language they have heard.

What is so special about a highlights telecast on tv? What is worth blogging about it?
Where can I start…

There have been a very few sports personalities I have grown to admire and respect over everybody else in the sport. Goran was most definately one of them, he was clearly not the best player of the game at anygiven time, but he always had “heart”. I guess if you dont get that you might want to ask another Goran fan and they will agree.

(The other personalities I truly believed in to be champs (before they became) were Alonso and Maria Sharapova. I truly admire Alonso for his talent and determination, the combination of which is unparalleled by any other racer alive or dead. Maria her Charm, Intellect and Class… she moves faster than most in the sport)

In the summer of 2001 the All England Club made a decision, a decision that would break records and give them a new champ. For the 2001 Wimbeldon, they gave Goran a wildcard entry to the 2001 Wimbeldon Championships.

I heard this news only on the first day of the Championships. I had a gut feeling this year would be it (frankly I had this feeling each time he made it to the final). The draw was difficult and he overcame names like Moya, Roddick, Rusedski and Safin onroute to the semi final.

The semi final was fought over 3 days, rain playing spoilsport each time. Goran beat Tim Henman 7-5, 6-7(6-8), 0-6, 7-6(7-5), 6-3. This match was moving like a see-saw. The 0-6 3rd set happened in the middle day and if rain had not come that day Tim would have been playing the final.

The very next day Center Court screamed as Goran and Patrick made their way to their seats. This match would remain in their memories for ever. Amid the ocean of Aussies, there were a few Croatians cheering. Goran and Patrick exchanged the first 3 sets and before long it was 2-3 Patrick leading and Goran Serving in the 4th. 30 – 40 and Goran does a double fault. He was visibly upset with the call and threw his racket. He went on to kick the net and argue with the umpire. Goran lost the 4th set 2-6.

Goran was a Spiral player, If he had the good spiral he would keep winning impossible points with ease. While in the downward spiral he would miss simplest of shots and serves.(This happened during the 3rd set against Tim Henman.) The reason I keep saying he had heart was coz he always fought back… and sometimes he won.

The fifth set was fought tooth and nail untill 6-7 Goran serving and trailing. 0-30 and Rafter was 2 pts away from the Championship. 3 amazing serves involving 2 aces and Goran was 40-30 up. Another unreturnable serve and it was 7-7.

Goran broke back the next game, the upward spiral was kicking in. He was to now serve for the Championship. 40-30 Goran serves and Rafter pulls one back. Deuce Goran serves another service winner… Advantage Goran, Rafter punches one past Goran… Deuce. This happens 4 times Goran unable to convert 4 Championship points (I was at the edge of my seat screaming at each of his faults) He serves… Rafter returns… It hits the net and slams to the ground on Rafter’s side…. Goran screams (I remember I did too 4 yrs back) and collapses on the ground.

In the post match interview all he says is “God wanted me to win this time”.

As I watched this match today I kept telling my self he is going to win… idiot its highlights. Yet I was nervous… and when he did win all I could do was smile :)

U tell me if that aint worth blogging