Two pretty amazing things happened this past week over the past four days. Let's not forget that a golf tournament is not won on the final day and neither is a tennis tournament. You have to get there first. Then, when you get there...
you can either a) show off incredible skills to win (Woods), or
b) finally grab the trophy you've been seeking for years, and never let go (Federer).
Federer didn't exactly steamroll his way to the French Open title until the final; after surviving Haas and a tougher-than-it-looked match with Monfils, he had to survive another five-setter against Juan Martin del Potro that was even 3-3 in the fifth. Federer didn't just win the tournament, he won it valiantly. Much more appetizing than when he DID steamroll everyone in the draw. OK, maybe they pay too much money to pro athletes (but compared to golf, tennis players work a lot harder to get a lot less), but Federer -- someone called him "Lord of the Swings" -- works for me -- showed real heart, real skill, real athleticism, and deserved the career slam.
Which brings me to Woods. Again, phenomenal skill -- more money than Garth Brooks? (well, maybe not) -- gorgeous wife who he'd better not step out on (I tend to doubt he would or could) -- and what I admire about him despite all he's got is the level of skill he can muster when he needs it. He performs under pressure, tremendous pressure, and has to be able to make very fine adjustments to do what he does. I can't imagine being able to do anything with that level of skill, 'cause I'm just an average Wolf.
So, it's amazing that we can see two athletes of this caliber doing what they do best at their best over the same four days. Vulnerable, struggling -- then champions.
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