FIFTEEN

Well, he did it.  

Roger Federer is the stand-alone greatest tennis player ever.  15 Grand Slam Titles, in 6 years - it's unreal.

I know you're probably not a big tennis fan, but indulge me -  this is huge.  This epic, epic final: 5-7,7-6,7-6,3-6,16-14 - which Andy Roddick really should have won - he was playing a bit better than Federer - but Roger just kept hanging on, and on, and somehow ended up the winner.  It's the kind of thing that makes you love sports again -committed, acrobatic, intense, and full of artistry and history.  Two guys pushing their bodies and minds to the physical limits for 4 1/2 hours - I know it's not like earth-shattering or anything - but it's beautiful.  Like a really good play.

This will explain why I haven't been posting that much recently.  I've been pretty much glued to the television for the last two weeks.  I sat there for 5 hours today watching this incredible match.  Spencer watched it all with me - finally getting so excited during the marathon 5th set that he would jump up, run through the living room, then come barreling back and throw himself on the couch, then do it again.  And this is a 9 year old!  My dad was their, too - but he mostly stood there and made sage comments, as is his wont.  I think he wanted to Roddick to win, so he was a little down.  My mom watched, too, but at 10-all in the 5th she couldn't take it anymore and went out to the kitchen and ready the TLS until a match point finally came along.

But I really feel for this guy:

He looked like somebody had killed his dog.  After all that work, to come up short again.  Still, he was very gracious - I admire his class.