Is 15 alot?

I will be the first to admit that I know almost nothing about tennis. Even the scoring confuses me. Why do they call it love, zero is such a cooler word. But I do know great sports (I think). Last year when Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal played that epic match I thought that was the best tennis I would ever see. But I was wrong. Today at Wimbledon, Andy Roddick and Roger Federer competed on a whole other level. The match was important for a few reasons so let's get into them.

Andy Roddick is a beast. He hits the ball fast, but the rest of his game has lacked the quality it takes to be an all around great player. He has worked to fix it, changing coaches what seems like a million times. His quest for legitimacy has taken a lot of turns. But his run during Wimbledon, was spectacular. That run was capped off on Sunday with an epic match with Federer. Roddick kept his composure and played like a champion. It was almost sad that somebody had to lose.

Roger Federer needed this match for a whole different reason. He is above legitimate in the world of tennis. His rivalry with Nadal have become the thing of sports legend. After being written off last summer as past his prime, Federer has stormed back this summer with a whole new head of steam. He finally won his first French Open, even though he didn't beat Nadal to do it. That win tied him with Pete Sampras for 14 Grand Slams titles, the most of all time. As Wimbledon approached Nadal withdrew due to injury. Federer was poised to win his record 15th Grand Slam title. He breezed through everyone in his way. Then in a 5th set on Sunday that went from tennis skill to battle of wills Federer cleared that hurdle. According to the numbers, he can easily be viewed as the greatest of all time, and he definitely deserves it.

If you didn't see the match today, you missed some great competitiveness. I was locked in during the 5th set and was memorized by both athletes and their toughness. The thing that I really hopes comes from this is that Roddick plays at this level again and again. Congrats to Roger Federer. Live like no one is watching and compete at all times.

On a much sadder note, I have to mention the passing of Steve "Air" Mcnair. When I got serious about football as a kid I tried to pattern the toughness with which I plaed the game after this man. McNair combined unequivocal talent with a leadership quality that was also unmatched. He was always a stand up guy in the NFL, and i respected him and his game. The specifics of his death are being slowly let out. But despite what it is that caused his death, I want every one to know that this tough, gutsy quarterback inspired a nonathletic skinny kid to play the game with everything he had! Rest in peace Steve McNair.