The Sweet Spot

Under the brilliant spring sunshine, the arrival of Roger Federer to our shores reminded me of all that is good about the game.

Here was a man, who by his own admission, had seen better days. A 16-time Grand Slam champion, who once upon a time, exploded like a Supernova, his rivals mere dots of light in the tennis cosmos. And yet the way he carried himself with such grace and humility was a pleasure to see.

It was a telling moment.

In the whirlwind of excited screams and giggles from the assembled throng of adoring school children, came the remark.

“Roger. I have some tips for you”, was the somewhat cheeky barb aimed at Federer as he strived to sign every last shirt, tennis ball and scrap of paper.

The Fed Express' humble response, with a soft smile, priceless.

“A tip for me? Great. I need all the tips I can get right now”.

One wonders what Serena Williams' reply would have been given the events at the US Open this week.

Grace in defeat.

As anyone will tell you, it has and will always be, the hallmark of the greatest individuals, whether in politics, sport or any other form of human endeavour.

Watching the antics of the 13-times Grand Slam champion, reminded me of another player who constantly tread the baseline between villain and virtuoso.

Yes. I am serious John McEnroe.

In truth, it's not something we haven't seen before from the younger of the Williams sisters, who despite long-term injury and limited court play this season, managed to blast her way to the US Open final.

In 2009 at the same event, Serena infamously threatened to shove a ball down a lineswoman's throat.

Two years later, she was at it again. Her verbal barrage as intimidating as her monstrous baseline winners.

It raises the age old concern. A person's character is measured not by how they deal with victory, but defeat.

Serena could learn a lot from not only Roger, but this year's beaten finalist Rafael Nadal. A loser on the court. But never off it. A classy speech. A classy man.

Will she struggle to pay her $2000 fine for her outburst after pocketing $1.4 million at the final Grand Slam of the Year?

Doubtful.

As is the prospect of her learning to keep her tongue in check when things aren't going right.

"You're totally out of control. You're a hater, unattractive inside. Wow, what a loser”.
Mirror, mirror on the Wall.