I watched the US Open from start to finish this year. From those early round matchups right through to championship point in the men’s final. I saw the expected wins, the wild upsets, the struggles and the joy.
I was dialed in, fingers crossed for Serena’s potential calendar year grand slam. The woman has won 21 major titles to go with a wealth of other singles and doubles titles. She inspires me with her hard work and will to overcome every obstacle.
No doubt in my mind she has the courage, skills, and desire to take it all. She has taken it all, more than once. The calendar slam would’ve been nice and I was sad she missed that elusive milestone, but her loss doesn’t make her less of a champion.
Say what you want about pressure, she’s handled more than her fair share with her signature grit, power and gratitude. Serena remains a champion not because of the trophies she’s earned, but because of her dedication to the sport. More, because of the heart and effort she’s given to herself and her goals.
“You know, I don’t only play for the record books.” –Roger Federer
Last night, with a coveted title in the balance, Federer and Djokovic took the court after a three hour delay and put on a stunning display of grace, strength, and guile. They were playing for the record books, but also for themselves. For us. For sport. Both men are champions and they gave fans a nailbiter match – thank goodness! Yes, I confess I wanted Federer to snag his 18th major, but I wanted to see a quality match and they delivered.
I’m not too disappointed Djokovic won. 10 majors – that’s a big deal! And he’s become as wonderful to watch as Federer and Serena with the quality of shotmaking and power.
I wasn’t disappointed to see the all Italian women’s final either. Vinci and new US Open champion, Pennetta, also delivered a fantastic match on Saturday afternoon and in victory and defeat they appeared equally joyful.
That’s what I’ve learned above all from this year’s US Open: Joy!
Joy was evident in moments big and small all through the tournament. I believe joy was Vinci’s secret weapon in the semi-final and Pennetta embodied joy in her acceptance speech and subsequent retirement.
Joy, tinged with exhaustion, was all over Djokovic’s face when he embraced the trophy last night. Federer was clearly disappointed, but he had an amazing tournament and to still be such a threat at this stage of his career is inspiring. Based on what I’ve heard in the past, he’ll celebrate being a finalist with almost as much joy as he’s celebrated his past wins.
Tennis is such a solitary sport and as such, it continually inspires my writing journey. Those players put themselves out there and strive to give their best performance in front of thousands of people who may or may not support them.
The emotional toll the players pay is as high as the physical toll. Maybe higher.
That’s true with writing as well. Done right, authors often pay a high emotional toll as they pour out the story for readers.
That emotional and physical harmony is true in all things. No matter what our profession or goals, to do something well, to excel, we must give it our all. Mind and body, heart and soul. We must empower every worthy effort from practice to performance with a champion’s attitude of courage, grit, and… joy!
Live the adventure!
