I am endlessly romanced by Wimbledon

       I already love England, the history, the accents, the culture... throw in a little bit of tennis and some of the greatest athletes in the world, and you have my favorite Grand Slam.  The grass courts go from a luscious green to a scarred tan and brown, as if  a  truck went over it several times, but instead it's battle wounds are from the beating of players, sliding, gliding, falling, triumphing as they serve, volley and hit ground strokes during the fortnight. 

As the finals wrapped up over the last two days, it was evident that history was bound to be made.  First, the Williams sisters took on each other in the finals, just as they had done five years ago.  I will always favor the older sibling (being one myself), but I'm sure Serena wasn't too disappointed as she won a doubles title just hours after losing to big sis Venus.  

What makes Wimbledon so magical?  Maybe it's that feeling that anything can happen... that the grassy surface holds the dreams of believers, of the 31 year old 100 + in the world who made it to the semis, of the hundreds who line Henman Hill for the day a brit would win the title again, of those who marvel in the presence of royalty watching those, some of who have risen out of poverty or peasantry to become champions.  

Then it was the men's turn to shine, already Champions and rivals in their own right, Nadal and Federer are foe worth watching as any World Cup or Superbowl match-up.  Their fitness is maxed, playing well into the fourth hour as if it were the first point, and skill so sharp, no hit seemed impossible.  I almost didn't care who won, just that there was good tennis being played, and the mastery of the sport was exhibited for as long as possible, and believe me it was.  Nadal won, fifth set, 9-7, as the skies darkened in the last year that they'd play under the skies as a new stadium is being built next year.  Even though rain delays prolongs the game, there's a certain magic seeing the grounds crew cover centre court, sweeping across the court as if dancers in a chorus line.  

One day I will make it to the All England Club, either behind the camera or in the stands.  Until then, I'll just practice my aces !