Like in the music and movie business, the sports world also has its phenomena - overnight or otherwise. No where is this truer than perhaps in telegenic sports.
Out of nowhere the ongoing Australian Open has provided tennis -which has had its biggest and most popular attractions come from the women's side- a new darling in the men's circuit. About time, I say. Unlike the beauty and bluster provided by Sharapova, the Williams sisters and the comebacking Martina Hingis, men's tennis has had less of a popular following recently. Among its biggest heroes, for every emotional or flamboyant player like McEnroe or Agassi, there are dry and mechanical champions like Lendl, Courrier and Sampras.
Unlike the buttoned down Wimbledon or the American-dominated US Open, the French -and to a lesser extent- the Australian Opens provide more opportunities for the minting of new heroes. The more flawed they are, the more interesting. In the past we've had Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Gustavo Kuerten and Gaston Gaudio. Last year I followed Kazan-born, Spanish-trained Marat Safin overcome the annoying Lleyton Hewitt claw back from near-collapse to claim the so-called Grand Slam of the Asia-Pacific. This year I've not really kept to date with the progression of the rounds (and perhaps never really had a wont to, until the semi-finals or finals) since Marat the Mercurial (and infinitely interesting than perennial winner Roger Federer) bowed out in the early rounds in this seventh edition he's played in. Of course there are other good players in the draw, but after this result I just gave the Open up to the relentless and methodical Federer.
What few people likely counted on was that even though we all knew the eventual destination the journey could still be fun. This was provided thankful journalists and crowds by Cypriot sensation Marcos Baghdatis, who has disposed of an impressive series of seeds on the way to the final, which will take place on Sunday against (of course) Federer. He mowed down until today Andy Roddick and Ivan Ljubicic, seeded second and seventh respectively.
Today, apart from the impressive stats, he provided drama in his semifinal match against the dangerous Argentine, David Nalbandian. Just like last year's drama between Safin and Hewitt, the duel between the two played out for an extended period and was even interrupted by a sudden downpour. Nalbandian is not a jerk like Hewitt but there was no denying the Cypriot Mr Popularity. His winsome smile and easygoing attitude won him more fans with each passing game as his determination and volleys. Also, having a girlfriend like Camille Nevier dutifully watching adoringly from the stands also helps in a big way.
I hope he'll stick around longer than Claudio did.
Out of nowhere the ongoing Australian Open has provided tennis -which has had its biggest and most popular attractions come from the women's side- a new darling in the men's circuit. About time, I say. Unlike the beauty and bluster provided by Sharapova, the Williams sisters and the comebacking Martina Hingis, men's tennis has had less of a popular following recently. Among its biggest heroes, for every emotional or flamboyant player like McEnroe or Agassi, there are dry and mechanical champions like Lendl, Courrier and Sampras.
Unlike the buttoned down Wimbledon or the American-dominated US Open, the French -and to a lesser extent- the Australian Opens provide more opportunities for the minting of new heroes. The more flawed they are, the more interesting. In the past we've had Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Gustavo Kuerten and Gaston Gaudio. Last year I followed Kazan-born, Spanish-trained Marat Safin overcome the annoying Lleyton Hewitt claw back from near-collapse to claim the so-called Grand Slam of the Asia-Pacific. This year I've not really kept to date with the progression of the rounds (and perhaps never really had a wont to, until the semi-finals or finals) since Marat the Mercurial (and infinitely interesting than perennial winner Roger Federer) bowed out in the early rounds in this seventh edition he's played in. Of course there are other good players in the draw, but after this result I just gave the Open up to the relentless and methodical Federer.
What few people likely counted on was that even though we all knew the eventual destination the journey could still be fun. This was provided thankful journalists and crowds by Cypriot sensation Marcos Baghdatis, who has disposed of an impressive series of seeds on the way to the final, which will take place on Sunday against (of course) Federer. He mowed down until today Andy Roddick and Ivan Ljubicic, seeded second and seventh respectively.Today, apart from the impressive stats, he provided drama in his semifinal match against the dangerous Argentine, David Nalbandian. Just like last year's drama between Safin and Hewitt, the duel between the two played out for an extended period and was even interrupted by a sudden downpour. Nalbandian is not a jerk like Hewitt but there was no denying the Cypriot Mr Popularity. His winsome smile and easygoing attitude won him more fans with each passing game as his determination and volleys. Also, having a girlfriend like Camille Nevier dutifully watching adoringly from the stands also helps in a big way.
I hope he'll stick around longer than Claudio did.
