Comments on: The Other A-Rod

By: Clevelandmo

Clevelandmo — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:37:56 +0000

Joe,

Masterful writing about an amazing match. Thank you.

Go Fulham!

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:06:33 +0000

What a lovely piece – very well done.

(I was cheering for Roddick, too.)

By: David in NYC

David in NYC — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:50:13 +0000

Reminds me of Vitas Gerulaitas beating John McEnroe after losing to him the first 16 times they played, when he told the press, “Nobody beats Vitas Gerulaitas 17 times in a row!”

By: mwu

mwu — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:30:18 +0000

Your SI colleague Jon Wertheim also posted a video of his pick for best all-time Federer shot (which, naturally, came against Roddick).

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/399489/roger_federers_best_shot_ever/

Imagine having seen play like this over 18 losses and still having the mental fortitude to come out as strong in the Wimby final as Roddick did.

By: John B.

John B. — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:48:19 +0000

@jobu

I never felt all that good about rooting for Pete, actually. He had such a galling lack of charisma that I constantly felt kind of embarassed for him. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think athletes should measure up to my internal “charisma-meter” to be recognized for their greatness, but neither do I think that the snippy reactions of a seven-month-pregnant wife and a noticeable sense of on-court style are good reasons to critique The Fed.

I’m proud of the guy for not having a mistress, for showing humility when he wins (the balance of his interviews give credit to everyone – and his press conference and next-day interviews all praised Roddick incessantly), for giving such a damn about winning that he cries when he loses, and for being the greatest of all time. A “15″ monogram is better than a GOAT tattoo, anyway. (Maurice Green, anyone?)

By: jobu

jobu — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:39:11 +0000

The one thing you don’t really address: I have to imagine there was part of you rooting AGAINST Federer as much as FOR Roddick. Federer and his monogrammed everything and his “15″ jacket and his wife who gets in a twist when the family sitting behind her has the audacity to root for her husband’s opponent. All that really bugs me.

And it’s not a David vs. Goliath thing. Pete was a monster, but he also had a blue collar, workmanlike vibe about him. And he seemed genuinely appreciative of the fans and the moment. Pete was a great that you felt good about rooting for. Federer seems more like a robot giving a pre-programmed address every time he thanks the crowd after a W.

And then there’s the crying when he loses. And not just the big ones. But, like, every darn time (which, granted, isn’t really all that often). Fed loves to cry about losing – he probably cries when he loses his car keys. Kinda like Bill Lambier when you think about it.

By: Sean Taylor

Sean Taylor — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:42:23 +0000

Joe: Splendid. While depressing. You captured the match, but even more you have captured the essence of childhood dreams. From winning the WS, to becoming president, to being awarded an Oscar… At some point reality crashes in, but as write, that is life.
And it is.

By: pugs

pugs — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:21:03 +0000

I hate to say i think Joe has almost got me liking tennis…don’t tell my dad.

By: Graphite

Graphite — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 06:17:44 +0000

ceolaf @ #19

Comparing a woman tennis player’s numbers with Federer’s is like comparing a minigolfer’s wins with Tiger Woods’.

Pointless.

By: Red

Red — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:43:45 +0000

Great article Joe. If you go back to the old web design, it should definitely be featured prominently (like the Tiger, Musial, Rulon Gardner posts.