Semi Finals - Rafael Nadal vs. Andy Murray
A Fitting Farewell. What better way to end the summer than to see my beloved Rafael Nadal? Pretty much anyone who knows me can tell you I love football. It's not rocket science figuring that out. What most don't know, however - is that I love tennis almost as much. Maybe it dates back to when as a little kid my parents coerced me into taking lessons; only to give up when they realized I didn't find running after a ball coming at me at lightening speed in 40°C weather an enjoyable pursuit. But... I walked away with something oh so valuable. An appreciation for what I believe to be one of the most beautiful - if not the most beautiful - sport. And having been fortunate enough to see some of the worlds greatest tennis players live (Roger Federer, Venus Williams, and my own personal favorite - Kim Clijsters); I felt spoilt when I'd complain about wanting to see Nadal. But what's a girl to do?? With his VAMOS outbursts here and fist pumps there and the intense emotions he puts into e-v-e-r-y s-i-n-g-l-e point - it's near impossible not to adore him. In an odd way, he reminds me of Wayne Rooney. He has that never-say-die attitude that has seen him, at such a young age, reach the coveted World Number One ranking. And rightly so... watching him, you see how every point is played like it's the deciding factor of the match - and it's a gourmet feast for the eyes.
So after 5 years of going to matches and not seeing him (i.e. we'd buy Final tickets one year only for him to loose in the semis)... I FINALLY picked right. And by 'picked right' I mean I bought Semi-Final tickets and knocked on all wood in 360° sight. And clearly, this summer, luck has been on my side... Seeing him play against World #4 Andy Murray was classic - their kind of class is distinguishable miles away. They both reeked of talent (Murray, I must admit, impressing me GREATLY), and their exchanges had the crowd "ooohing" and "aaahing" gleefully. Seeing this kind of match only makes me want more - and I must say I look forward to the day I can afford tickets to a Wimbledon Final without having to put some of my organs on the black market.
And to cap off an already amazing day... some amazing retail therapy ensued. Because shopping is so much easier, and quite honestly, much more entertaining - than packing.
A perfect summer's day.
