by pnace on Fri Mar 31, 2006 10:47 pm
The greatest make it look easy, whether it’s art or sport. Pete – the smooth, seamless serve and the elasticity of his movement; and now Roger – his remarkable coordination, the lightness of his feet, a certain lyrical quality and ease of motion, a combination more typical of a great dancer rather than an athlete. The greats never look like they’re working very hard [even if they are] or sweating much. Both Pete and Roger have been accused [by those who don’t know any better] of having boring games. But in simple terms, Pete killed with a cannonball, while Roger does it with a fine scalpel. Really, how would you rather die?
Pete used to complain about being underappreciated and how everyone expected him to win everything. It was because he made it look so easy, though of course it wasn’t easy at all and took its toll on him. God Rog [as in GOD, Rog, how did you do THAT??] invents new shots every time he plays, but he certainly doesn’t take his titles for granted. And he works hard to keep improving his game and fitness.
Then there are players called grinders because that’s how they win; you can always tell they’re working hard. Think Courier, Agassi, now Roddick, Hewitt, Nadal, the Spanish boys. Baseliners who look and sound like they expend a lot of energy because they do exactly that. Lots of grunting and sweating and emotion and long, hard points. Some fans relate better to these guys; they seem more human, like working men.