The king is rattled. After five years of rule suddenly the throne has been usurped. The wily Prince has strode in.
Yesterday the five hour long battle at Centre Court was a classic match that has been played after a really long time. Since last few years the way tennis is played has underwent a sea change. Its now pure display of muscles and power. Yes, the Swiss virtuoso has brought in the elegance of serve and volleys back but then he is alone.
Every season springs in some new faces which spark for sometime before getting swept by new powerhorses. But yesterday afternoon changed so much. The all Bristish scenario when a drizzle halted the game, when the summer afternnon was slowly melting away to an late evening with strawberries and creme, when the King of Clay was playing the game for supremacy with the Emperor of Grass at the Mecca of Tennis.
The audience have a day to remember!
Every game was heart stopper, every set was nerve jangling. It was as if not the players but us, the audience have a stake in winning. Maybe that is what happens when a true blue classic match is on. No one must have ever hated unforced error as it was hated yesterday.
And finally the king had to step back and let the Prince take the centre stage.
An wondeful end to an ordinary weekend.
