Wimbledon Mania!!!

I have always loved the game. But like some loves, we lose interest. For some reason or another, over the years, I refused to get back in the game. I neither played it or watched it. It disappointed me...Like some fans, we lose our drive. Our idols have slowly withered and left which leaves us with so little enthusiasm. There's no one to root for. No one to watch out for. No one to be inspired with.

I was six when my dad introduced me to this game called tennis. It was the only hobby I was interested to learn more of while I hid during piano or ballet lessons. I remember staying up late nights to watch championship games with him, and feeling like a sure winner if any of my favorite players won. I would weep like a newborn seeing Michael Chang lose or Capriati never make it to semi-finals. I would laugh hysterically remembering how back in the day Agassi could jump over the net and blow a kiss to his opponent leaving everyone in the court dumbfounded. It was the good days...the better days of tennis. Then slowly, my favorites started retiring as new comers start to dominate the matches. I remembered going out for drinks with my friend after the legendary Pete Sampras decided to take his bows. I was crushed. It is very rare to find elegant and goodlooking idols on court. Now, what reason is left for me to watch? =) Anyway, as the William sisters ended up playing championships year after year, i totally lost concern. I knew they were going to win every single time. It felt like the ones who are destined to beat them weren't even born yet. So I decided to stop watching. Not until..Andy Roddick. Ok, ok..he is gorgeous. But you have to agree he has such an amazing serve! For some time, it felt addicting watching him display all that power at such a young age. It was like, whoa...can anyone serve that fast?! But like most athletes, conceit turns a lot of fans off. There was too much arrogance...I was saddened.

Fast forward to Wimbledon '05... Now that I have a lot of time watching television news and sports, I decided to follow up on my tennis roots. I was shocked. Finally, a truly beautiful tennis player on court who can actually PLAY some amazing tennis. That Sharapova is a sure embarassment to Kornikova. And Davenport! I am sure glad she's back in the game...I hope she pushes off retirement. She could come off like a boring tennis player, but I like her. And my Andy Rodick...sigh. Well, you all know who I'm rooting for for the Championship.

So, for you tennis fans who have slipped away, there is much reason to stay. The game is back. The drive is back. Let the games bagin!

See you all at the US OPEN.