So the ATP World Tour Finals is starting in London’s O2 Arena. It is always a ‘joy’ to see sportsmen in suits. They either look awesomely smart (because we seldom spot them wearing so ’smart’) or they look completely out of place. I think they fared rather well, maybe with this exception of first time Grand Slam winner Juan Martin del Potro who looks rather slouchy in this photo. I think Roger Federer exudes that charisma, as usual.. and Andy Murray trying to stand really straight, in hope to be taller than Nadal (wait.. he is taller than Nadal, isn’t he?) Don’t forget Nikolay-looks-botak-Davydenko who looks really small amongst the guys.

Excuse me.. these guys are multi millionaires! They earn millions just being fit and hitting tennis balls. Make me feel rather lousy holding the retractors and watching my consultant cut out lymph nodes?

I am sure it means the world to be able to hold up the trophy standing amongst what people coined as ‘legends’ who have been there, done that.

The unspokeable joy! Oh hey, Mr Laver, why are you not holding the trophy?

No wonder, this man is saying that tennis is crazy, this year has been crazy and what-not. With that painful five-setter loss in Australia earlier this year (dang! if he had won.. he would have a chance to make it a calendar Grand Slam!), then the Mirka pregnancy announcement and later the sudden out-of-blue-but-we-exptected-it-anyways wedding leading to the clay court season..

I mean, it is a whole lot to grasp, right?

With Nadal out of picture, you wonder if anyone could ever be better and beat him. You see, some people say Nadal is the greatest because he has leading head-to-head record against the greatest, ie. Roger. I refuse to dwell in that simply because I see tennis as such as subjective subject. You cannot compare player to player and match to match. The game is just like that. One painful loss does not mean his entire career is over.

This photo was seen on TENNIS.com and also on the ATP website.

What is so special about a gorgeous millionaire walking out on Centre Court?

It is because my friend was pictured behind! He’s the guy in red behind taking a photo. His image may be blurred but it is still 4th row away and Roger Federer passing by in his so gold emblazed outfit and accessories. So according to my friend, he queued since 9am the day before and paid 40 pounds to be in Centre Court on the first day of the championships.

Oh well, the lucky fella (my friend whom played tennis himself) also went to Roland Garros. This is so unfair! I hope to get to London like real soon… visit the Wimbledon Museum or something.

Well, this is self-explanatory..

Doesn’t Roger Federer look small beside 6′6″ Juan Martin del Potro? He improved his head-to-head record against this talented young Argentinian. Now 6-0 against del Potro, the Swiss is going into his 4th Roland Garros finals. This time it is not Rafael Nadal on the other end of the court. It would be Robin Soderling, the guy who took out Nadal in the 4th round earlier on.

May I say that everyone is anticipating a history in making?

It is the second Grand Slam of the year. In the heart of Europe, Paris is more than just a French affair. Set aside romance flair, let the dirty red clay come into your visual senses to tantalise your sight.

I managed to catch the first day yesterday with Ana Ivanovic starting off at the centre court. She just couldn’t convert the break points she had in the first set forcing her into a first set tie-break.

But the defending champ prevailed.

Then there is Frenchman Gilles Simon going dangerous with a five-setter against American Osdenik.

The first day also showed no.3 Andy Murray who is doing well. I hope he beats Nadal in the semis. Hoho!

Seriously, the red clay screams for a new winner. And I hope it is someone who is going to be a father soon.