Monday, April 08, 2019
Tennis Anyone?
That was
hardly on the lips of most Canadians this past week as most courts
were covered with a dusting of snow. Unless, of course, you live in
Ottawa, and that is another matter.
But for a
few Canadians, hanging around the courts in Miami, tennis was a
matter of some importance. For the first time in history, two
Canadian men advanced to the semi-finals of a major tennis
tournament. It was called the “Miami Open”, and the Centre Court
was constructed in the middle of the Dolphins' football stadium.
Roger Federer
Both Denis
Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime were in the semi-final, but did
not face each other. Shapovalov had the misfortune to come up against
Roger Federer. Auger-Aliassime had to play the American giant, John
Isner, who stands slightly under seven feet tall.
By no means
was Shapovalov blown out of his match with Federer. The final score
was 6-2 6-4, which is respectable. Federer, now 37 years old, was “on
his game”, and he used a variety of shots to take control of the
match, losing only eight points on his serve.
After the
match, Federer paid tribute to the young Canadian. “Denis is a
great player, and he will be even better in the future.” Federer
was pleased with his game, as well. “It was a tactical match by me.
I'm happy I was able to play with variations.”
Auger-Aliassime
had to play through the qualifying round just to get into the
tournament. He lost to Isner, but not without a struggle. Final score
of the match? 7-6 (3), 7-6 (4). Felix had been serving for both sets,
but Isner broke him both times. Felix double faulted several times,
and could not handle Isner's big serve when it mattered.
Federer
disposed of Isner in the final, 6-1, 6-4. Isner commented:”You were
entirely too good today, entirely too good this whole tournament.
It's absolutely incredible what you're doing”.
Isner, of
course, was referring to the fact that Federer is now 37 years old,
but moves like a teenager on the court. It was Federer's 101st
career title. He is now 18-2 in the matches he has played this year,
and has a good shot at yet another Grand Slam title.
Bianca Andreescu
Both of the
Canadian boys are still teenagers, which bodes very well for the
future of tennis in Canada. Last week, Bianca Andreescu won the
women's title at Indian Wells, another great step ahead for Canadian
tennis.
The best in
the world will assemble in Toronto and Montreal this summer. Take
advantage of the opportunity.
James Hurst
April 1,
2019
