Farewell to two champions and hello to a new!

For those not following the US Open the past couple of weeks, this tournament brought the retirement of two champions of the game - Kim Clijsters and Andy Roddick. 

First Kim - who is definitely one of the most loved champions the game has ever seen. She will of course be remembered for her game - the power, the splits. But even more so, she will be remembered and will continue to be loved for who she is. She has always been a talented and fierce competitor, but in an age when especially the women's game has seen its fair share of bad behavior, she is just so...NICE! She has been unfailingly gracious and kind, and friendly. 

There have been many examples but another one came just last week in her first round match against 16-year-old Victoria Duval. When the cameras cut into the tunnel for the Pre-match interview, the two were standing together conversing as if they were old friends. Now, this may not seem that odd, but if you watch a lot of tennis you know that most players retreat to their corners and focus solely on their game in preparation. Not a thing wrong with that, and you can argue that her retirement may have taken some pressure off, but still this was it for her and you know she wanted to make as deep a run as possible.

After the match, when the commentators asked Victoria what they were talking about, she said that Kim was giving her advice on how to handle such a big moment and sharing her own experiences. Wow! Incidentally, Kim won the match handily, but after a shaky start Victoria played well and I think acquitted herself nicely in her first appearance on such a big stage. (Keep an eye on her, I hope to hear a lot more from Duval as part of a whole crop of very promising young Americans). 

And it gets better. The ESPN crew interviewed Victoria after the match. When asked about the experience she of course said it was incredible and one she will never forget - I've never seen someone smile so big after a loss. She said that after the match, Kim (who hugged her at the net, by the way) asked her if she could have a picture for her memories. Victoria's response was classic "YOUR memories!?! Can I have one for MY memories?"

So classy and again, just so NICE! I truly hope that the young players coming along will look up to Kim, not only for her example on court, but for how a true champion ought to behave. 

Just one more story about Kim. I was fortunate to attend two days of the US Open last weekend and I had the privilege of watching her last two professional matches - both mixed doubles with Bob Bryan (of the Bryan brothers). I can honestly say I have never seen so much smiling and such a great spirit on a tennis court - it was so much fun to watch. Here's a shot of Kim and Bob, yes, doing the chest bump after their first round win. 

And the other of their interview after they lost in the second...still smiling, and why not, what a wonderful career!

It is appropriate that the 3 time US Open champion end here. And as much as some of us love tennis, and sport in general, Kim reminds us ever so gracefully and cheerfully that there is more to life. I for one wish her the best in the next chapter...and I know I'm not alone.

Andy Roddick is a different sort of character, but he has also left an indelible mark on the sport. While many might say that he never lived up to his full potential, there is no question of his influence, especially on American men's tennis. 

His (sometimes biting) wit and sarcasm often made me snicker, and I have to say despite many dissappointments, he never stopped working and fighting. People say it is too bad that he played in the era he did when the 3 at the top had such a stranglehold, but despite that fact, his impact on the game was bigger than his one major (2003 US Open). Certainly in the US, he has been a friend and mentor to up and coming US players, a stalwart of the US Davis cup team, and one of the top men in tennis for a decade. I remember hearing John Isner - after his epic 70-68 in the fifth win at Wimbledon a few years ago - talk about how as soon as he got back to his hotel, Andy was there with food and drink to try to keep him going. Andy had his own matches to prepare for, but he took time out to look after his teammate.

He may have only won one slam, but he was in the top 10 continuously for 9 years, with 825 ATP tour wins and 32 titles - that kind of consistency in a tough, demanding sport deserves recognition. And I'm sure he'll get it - many think he's a first ballot hall-of-famer when his turn comes up in 5 years. I would love to have seen him win more, but regardless I for one will miss his funny wind-up serve, miss cheering for another 140 mile bomber on the serve, and miss his witty reparte with the commentators and the press. I wonder if they would dare put him in the commentator's box? Hmm?

And appropriate that he end here as well, at the site of his greatest triumph and so many memorable moments. Best of luck, Andy.

I can't leave that topic, however without commenting on the class and grace of the opponent who sent Andy Roddick into retirement - Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro. DelPo has always seemed like a really nice guy, but he showed uncommon class that night last week. When he was recognized after the win, instead of taking his bows with the crowd, he instead turned and acknowledged Andy. And when they tried to interview him, he said it was Andy's night and he should talk - and then sat down to let Andy have his final moment with the NY crowd. I've always liked the lanky Argentine, but he made a real fan that night - not against Fed, of course :), but I'd like to see him do well. Ironically DelPo has now sent two champions into retirement - Roddick and Marat Safin, at the 2009 BNP Paribas Masters Tournament.

And finally, yes - the drought is over! After 76 years, the Brits once again have a grand slam champion! Hats off to Andy Murray! I'm guessing Henman Hill is officially now Murray's Mount. :)

Shot of Andy Murray warming up with coach, Ivan Lendl before his match against Feliciano Lopez last weekend.