I have never been much of a tennis fan, but I can certainly appreciate the conditioning and athleticism that is necessary to play. Even though some of the scoring system seems strange to me (why, in a game, do you go from zero ('love') to 15, to 30, to 40 and then win, instead of 1,2,3,4?), I understand that one must win a game by two points. One must win six games (also by 2) to win a set, and three out of five sets to win the match. If a set is tied at six, there is a tiebreaker to see who wins.
Except in the final set at Wimbledon, where players can keep playing until someone wins by two. Such is currently the case...
John Isner and Nicolas Mahut were tied at two sets each Tuesday, when play was suspended by darkness. So, they returned Wednesday to finish the last set. 7 hours and 6 minutes later, play was suspended again, WITH NO WINNER. Tied 59-59!!!
To watch this is truly mesmerising - a final SET alone that broke the record for the longest MATCH in tennis history (the entire match time is over 10 hours)!!! All kinds of other records were broken as well - too many to mention here. And I can honestly say that I can't wait to tune into ESPN to watch this tomorrow to see how it all turns out.
But try to think of JUST STANDING continuously for over 7 hours, with only periodic 1-minute breaks ever 10-15 minutes. Halfway through I would need a nap. Or to go to the bathroom. Or to eat.
If you have a chance to watch the ending (hopefully) Thursday, try to do so - or at least read about it in depth somewhere. You see, neither of these guys will win Wimbledon this year, as one has to eventually lose THIS match and the winner would exceed expectations just by waking up in time for the next match. But, the heart and perseverance that each has shown the past two days should serve as an example to everyone about determination and will and about never giving up.
We all have our favorite players or favorite teams that we root for. And even though I believe that athletes should not be role models, I am willing to amend that thought, as these two men are the exception. Because on top of the marathon match, the records, and all the physical drain, both have been complete sportsmen - no chest-thumping or trash-talking, just two guys giving it their all, with respect for the opponent.
For that reason most of all, this will go down a palatable example of the old adage...its not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game.
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