Strength and Sensitivity

Red clay, black net, a yellow ball, strength and sensitivity.

Open Frensh, Roland Garros 2010 - Paris.

Many things were told about the Roland Garos and about the classic Tennis game that attracts so many poeple in the world. Three weeks ago, I was one of those fortunate people who came to Paris, "The City of Lights", or as others calls it, not mistakenly, "The City of Romance", especially in order to attend and experience this great sports event where Strength and Sensitivity meet and where Intellegence and Power complete each other.

From one side of the court to the other side of the court, they run, they stretch, they sweat and they hit the ball back. The young generation, as well a the legends, they have all their senses focused on one thing, to Win.

Looking at the players, in an intensive body and brain actions for 2-3 hours and sometimes more, with very short breaks of 1-2 minutes between games and sets, one can easily realize how the body and the brain harmonize to perfection. You cannot win this game with only one element, you need them both and you need them in their best shape all the way to the championship.

Strength and Sensitivity, this is what it needs. A strong body to keep up with the physical exertion and a sensitive brain to read the opponents next moves and emotional state. Only then it is possible to surprise with a hit that cannot be returned. A game point. A set point. A match point. A championship.

Yet, it is not it. Strength and Sensitivity is also for a sensitive body that understands how to move with charm, that is aware of each movement of each muscle, and a strong brain that can handle the psychological stress and keep out of distress. Strong brain that doesn't collapse in critical moment.

Strength and Sensitivity, that was my first associaltion when watching the games.

Great players I had the chance to see in action:

Women singles

Francesca Schiavone

Serena Williams

Venus Williams

Jelena Janković

Samantha Stosur

Men Singles

Rafael Nadal

Nicolas Almagro

Women Legends

Martina Navrátilová

Jana Novotná

Mary Joe Fernandez

Conchita Martinez

Men Legends over 45

Mansour Bahrami
John McEnroe
Pat Cash
Andres Gomez

and more...