Winning game

Can winning be a habit? It seems so when you see the supremely confident Roger Federer playing on the center court in Wimbledon. By defeating Andy Roddick in a one-sided final last Sunday (July 3), Federer won his third straight title in Wimbledon and joined the ranks of all time greats like Bjorn Borg and Pete Sampras.

I fervently desired that Federer, the winning machine, be stopped in his tracks, and for the handsome American Roddick to get the coveted Championship trophy, but, alas, it was not to be. What an incredible game Federer played!

Federer again proved that he was unbeatable on grass. His magnificent backhand returns were awesome. He returns the ball at amazingly irretrievable sharp angles. The opponent may as well watch from the stands! No wonder, after losing to Federer, Roddick said, in his tongue in cheek, that he felt like punching the champion. Who wouldn't, given the frame of mind that Roddick was in at that time?

Federer relies more on his own strengths rather than looking for chinks in his opponents' armor. This way, he competes against himself and elevates his game to a different level. However, if you ask me, the final wasn't all that exciting, given the foregone conclusion of who the winner would be.

Is Federer a robot programmed to win? Even his smile looks robotic! But, behind the cool demeanor, Federer is a steely man. Time and again, he proves it.

What a contrast between the games of Venus Williams and Federer's! Venus, a lowly 14th seed, came back with a vengeance and not only managed to reach the finals but also win the match convincingly. The fighting spirit that she showed during the finals paid rich dividends.

After winning the marathon game against Davenport -- the longest Women's finals in the history of Wimbledon, Venus was jumping with uncontrollable delight, like a child -- an extraordinary exhibition of boundless joy. She couldn't restrain herself -- it was like a dream come true for her. Of course, she deserved all that and much more. She was not one who could be written off, yet.

Meanwhile, the "Federal Express" moves on, as stated by Alan on Star Sports, referring to Federer's winning streak.

D. CHANDRAMOULI Jakarta