→ Roger Federer wins The Indian Wells Tournament after defeating John Isner
Many wonder I love tennis. Fact is, I don’t play tennis. Not that I haven’t tried, I did. I just am not fit for it. My fairly long nails don’t really go well with holding the racket. But still, I adore watching games.
If my memory serves me right, I first watched a full match in 2008. It was a game between Federer and Monfils, but I can’t quite remember what tournament it was. So upon my research (thanks ATP website!), it’s either the Masters Series in Monte Carlo or Miami. Come to think of it, I was rooting for Monfils then since I knew Federer’s the reigning No.1. :)
I’m pretty sure it was this game. Sony Ericsson Open 2008.
The first guy I rooted for was Juan Carlos Ferrero. Reason? Because he was hot. I know, I know. You can judge me now. It was the lamest reason to love tennis. But when you do watch JC play, he hits amazing angles and covers the court well. Sadly, his “winning” days are over… at least for now. And though I hate saying this, I once liked Novak Djokovic. Reason? Yes, the same pathetic reason. Blame it on their hotness, okay?
So the question remains: How and when did I become a Federer fan? You’d be surprised with my answer. I did know when I became a fan. It was around the time of Roland Garros 2008. But how? I don’t know either. I want to say that I became a Fedex fan because he rarely loses, but that’s not it. Well, not quite. I’d rather say that I became a fan because of how he plays. The guy has got to be one of the most humble players I know. Of course, he’s had his share of broken rackets, cussing moments and ‘avoidable’ tantrums… but still, he tries to maintain his patience. Are you listening to this, Nole?
The first Grand Slam event I tuned into from start to finish was Roland Garros 2008. Ahem, we all know who won that: Rafael Nadal. Back then, I hated the guy. Why? Simply because he almost always beats Federer. Hahaha! It was only in 2010 when I have come to appreciate Rafa’s game. Him winning 3 out of the 4 slams in 2010 was impressive, so yeah, I accepted the fact that he’s really one of the best players of all time.
The tennis addiction started in 2008 and in 2011, I finally fulfilled a promise: to watch them play live in the flesh. How did it all start? I believe it was around US Open 2010 when Federer lost to Djokovic in the semifinals. At that time, I was convinced that Federer was losing his magic (with him losing to Berdych at Wimbledon as well) and of course, being the fan that I am, got scared that he will be retiring as soon as 2011.
I was decided that I should see him play before he retires. So I immediately searched the internet for the closest, most possible tournament I could watch. I was looking for an event that I can afford to see by my own means (meaning, shedding my own money to buy the tickets, airfare and accommodations), and that where Federer is sure to participate in. I began with the process of elimination.
One, I could only afford trips around Asia since Cebu Pacific only has cheap flights for Asian countries. So from there, I looked for tennis tournaments happening in Asia.
Malaysian Open, Thailand Open, China Open (Beijing), Rakuten Japan Open and Shanghai Rolex Masters.
Two, I should be able to afford the tennis ticket prices. Good thing, ticket prices are pretty affordable. :)
Malaysian Open, Thailand Open, China Open (Beijing), Rakuten Japan Open and Shanghai Rolex Masters.
Three, I need a tournament where Federer is sure to play at (and where he has played the previous year).
Shanghai Rolex Masters
Shanghai Rolex Masters was the best bet since not only did Federer play the previous year, he was also the runner-up. Next, it’s an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 so it’s a big deal for players. After Grand Slams (which gives out 2500 points to the champion), the Masters come next (giving 1000 points to the winner). Sadly, a week before the event started, Federer pulled out of the tournament due to fatigue and exhaustion. Believe me, I cried. I already bought the Shanghai Rolex Masters tickets, plane tickets, accommodations… so it was really disappointing. And not only that, about two days before the tournament, Djokovic withdrew as well. Tough luck, right? But all hope went to seeing Rafa. Yes, Rafa is the man! Hahaha!
So in October 2011, I finally got to see the players I’ve only seen on television. They were so close, so human (haha!) and the experience was so surreal! I got to touch Roddick’s hand, met a very nice guy named Andy Murray, got so close to Verdasco… and saw Rafa play (and lose to Mayer). It was probably one of the best times in my life.
And guess what? Federer or no Federer in Shanghai Rolex Masters 2012, I am still going to watch it! Hopefully, it becomes an annual tradition! ;)
It was early in the morning, around 8:00 AM today, when I got a surprise visit from someone special. The day started out like any other day: I got up at around 7:00 AM, took a bath and got dressed, faced the full-body mirror (located at the end of our hallway) to comb my hair… While all of these were happening, my mom and dad were both on the dining area eating their breakfast. And so there, I was combing my hair in front of the mirror when I heard someone say in a faint but clear voice, “Ang haba na ng buhok mo. Pagupitan mo na.” There was nowhere around, so I immediately assumed it was my dad talking to my mom on the dining room. Besides, it was a man’s voice. I was sure it was my dad. He’s the only man in the house.
After all my vanity, I finally went on the dining area to eat breakfast. My mom was still on the dinner table with me, while my dad was already outside of the house probably having a smoke or cleaning the car. Starting the conversation, I asked my mom if she’s really going to cut her hair as my dad had asked. She replied, “Ha? Sinabi niya yun?”. “Oo diba? Di niyo nadinig? Kanina lang sinabi niya na pagupitan niyo na daw kasi mahaba na buhok niyo.” My mom was a bit surprised, even clueless. And so I added, “Pero diba pinapahaba niyo para magpa-curl kayo? Ako din eh, gusto ko pahabain buhok ko ulit para pakulot ko.” The talk ended when I finished my breakfast and finally headed in my room to get dressed for work.
I got back in front of the full-body mirror to iron my hair. Lalala, I was ironing my hair when my mom came and said to me, “Hindi naman daw sinabi ng Daddy mo na magpagupit ako ah?” BOOM! I answered, “Eh nadinig ko kaya kanina lang sinabi niya.” Seconds later, my sister got out of bed and heard what we (my mom and I) were talking about. “Sabi ng Daddy mo, wala daw siyang sinabing ganon,” my mom repeated. And so I joked, “Eh sino naman yun? Multo?” I was then reminded by Christmas so I added, “Baka naman si Lolo yan or si Tito Ned.” The last sentence I said was half meant. It wasn’t a joke, but I wasn’t keen on saying that it was really them whom I heard. And guess what my mom said? “December 23 ngayon! Birthday ng Kuya (Tito Ned)!” GOOSEBUMPS. My sister who just woke up was shocked as well. The moment my mom said that, I knew it was him. I knew it was my Tito whom I heard. Now, I’ve never had an encounter with ghosts. I haven’t seen one, heard one… so this is a first.
Tito Ned visited me early today. Thanks Tito, for reminding me about my haircut (though I’m still convinced that your comment is for mom. Hihihi. I don’t plan to cut my hair anytime soon.). Happy, happy birthday Tito Ned! Say hi to Lolo for me. :)
