CAMELOT FANTASIES

It was odd to hear Pete's game described as boring as it was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen on court. Sampras moved like a panther. I was always stunned at how he got to the ball without any effort. He never looked rushed and he always looked determined.

Did I tell you that I went to see him in person? It was the year that Canas was on fire. He had just beat Federer twice in a row and it appeared he was too hot to handle. Pete was in the midst of his slump, so nobody expected much. I was ten minutes late getting to the stadium and had to wait for them to take a break.

While I was waiting I was yelling and cheering my fool head off. My son was so embarrassed, but I explained to him that you don't get many instances where it's OK to scream in public, but when you do, you should take advantage, which I did.

This lady told me that ever since I had came and started cheering loudly for Pete, he had picked up his game (taking a bow).

Anyway, the parking lot was so full and the atmosphere was electric. Pete started winning and I went to the restroom. People were so excited. This lady was telling me, "Oh my Pete is doing so well, I am so happy for him." She kept rambling on and then she stopped and said, "You are voting for Pete, aren't you?" To which I replied, "naturally."

Pete was my guy without a doubt.

And Andy, I've always liked him. He just seems like such a nice guy. I love his sense of humor too, and I enjoy watching him dissect a match. He's so fast and effortless that I think some people actually miss what he's doing. I had been waiting for him to win a major for so long, but I never lost hope. I knew he would do it and I'm delighted about it.

Federer? I recognize him as a great player despite the H2H, but I do sense too much vanity. I don't care for vanity. And I never liked the way he talked about his opponents in the press. Never could warm up to him, but still, I wish him well.

Hating strangers is just dumb.

It was said that because Sampras would win fairly easily against his opponents, people would find him boring. Even in Slam finals, he only had to play one 5 setter against Goran at Wimbledon but rest of his Slam finals were settled in 3 or 4 sets.

Are you talking about the Cincinnati masters in 2002 by any chance? I know Canas was hot and heavy around that time and that was a very tight encounter as well, but did you know Canas was found guilty for doping and was suspended for 2 years from ATP? Later they withdrew their case as they were prescribed medicine but nonetheless, it was quite controversial at that time.

It's great that you'd watched him live. I was very involved with Pete's career and probably watched most of his matches - live and got a lot of slack for it from family since I was probably a bit obsessed with it. lol

When I went to watch Andy in 2010 Rogers Cup in Toronto, I too was late in the match and had to wait about 10/15 minutes before I could sit  down. He played Nadal in that semi and then went to beat Federer in the final.

In 2008,  I didn't get to see Andy but I did see Federer vs Malisse and was rooting for Mailsse as if there was no tomorrow. I was surrounded by Federer fans as usual but who cares about that, really. lol and then in 2010, I was surrounded by Nadal fans lol. I wonder what it will be this time. Couldn't make 2012 and besides, Andy withdrew after winning the 2nd round and the constant rain delays really spoiled most of the event anyway.