Murray was Embraced by a Nation; Federer was Out of This World

Roger Federer (Left) & Andy Murray (Right) pose with their prizes. - Getty Images

THERE is more to a player’s performance on the playing field other than their honed skills and instinctive talents. These skills, no matter the amount of preparation done, are always susceptible to many factors in motion during game time. Most culpable among these are the ones the athlete doesn’t have a hold on. Aside from the actual game most of us can concretely describe through the stat sheet, there is an equally important game happening in the athlete’s mind. The balance of certain elements, thoughts, emotions, pressure, doubts, apprehensions, ego and confidence can decide a win or a loss as much as the proper (or improper) execution of techniques when playing.

Tennis, as opposed to other sports, has more fascinating aspects that can easily make the sport’s mental aspect visible to spectators. Tennis’ straightforwardness provides little distractions which enables the viewer to see into the players’ minds, beyond their racket swings and rallies for a point. At its simplest form, there are only two warm bodies playing on a wide plot of land too big for only two people. The ball, which is already difficult to see due to its size, is even more impossible to watch due to the high speeds it can travel. It was as if the inventors of tennis designed the game purposefully for the viewers to focus largely on the competitors and what their behavior may be telling us rather than on the flight of the ball. It is one of the few sports where one can be more reliable than the weatherman in predicting the outcome of matches by observing the little signs the players are giving off.

This year’s Wimbledon finals had to be headlined by two gentlemen with very different backgrounds. Roger Federer came in as a 16-time major tournament winner working for number 17. Specific to Wimbledon, he’s also looking to tie legendary Pete Sampras’ seven titles by bagging it this 2012. On a personal level, Federer needed to win this final to prove that he still had it in him to win major tournaments in his 30’s. Approaching the twilight of his best playing days, it was believed that Wimbledon was his best chance to win another and prove to everyone he still hasn’t hit the dirt.

On the other end, Andy Murray was just on his 4^th major finals looking for his 1^st title. Those are very minute numbers compared to Federer’s. To make things seem more impossible for his winning cause, two of those finals defeats came at the hands of no other than Roger Federer. On a bigger perspective, Andy Murray played the finals as Britain’s hope for an Englishman to win the homegrown Wimbledon Championship, a feat not achieved since Fred Perry in 1936. As the underdog, Murray played to win one for himself and for his compatriots.

Anja niedringhaus/AP

           Murray seemed to do just that as the 1^st set of the match began. The way Murray started hot and took the game to Federer caught his competition by surprise. With powerful, well directed and purposeful hits, Murray sent balls beyond the reach of his opponent to break Federer’s serves and control the outcome of this initial set. Federer looked like a novice unsure of himself with the onslaught he was facing and taking, not fully realizing what he was up against. Feeding from the atmosphere and the stakes, Murray played like nothing could go wrong as he was having the best game of his life. There was fire and aggression in Murray’s face that showed his tennis was better as he deservingly won the set. Even with bad line challenges by Murray going against him, his objections showed how confident he was with his ability to win the match, be it with his strokes or the correct overriding of line calls.

Murray shows his frustration

        Unfortunately, Murray repetitively getting his line challenges wrong, which continued to the next sets, must have opened a chink in his reservoir of confidence as the game’s momentum slowly shifted. After the 1^st set barrage, the Federer the world has admired for years finally arrived at the match as he slowly became the aggressor. This was nothing new for Federer who’s had a long list of moments similar to this one. His mind was deciding between playing on or giving up the game to Murray. Rather than choosing to quit by focusing on his bad start or worry about Murray’s good game, Federer kept his cool and played the game he’s been known to play for the past decade. The match still had a long way to go but Federer played it calmly point by point, not getting too ahead of himself. Murray at the same time was letting his frustration get the better part of him. With every point against him, his dejection was very evident in his facial expressions. Even wiping the sweat off his face with a towel couldn’t remove the disappointment he had as he prepared for the next point. 

           For both men, it was make or break in the epic 5^th game of the 3^rd set that lasted for 20 minutes which included a ton of game points and deuces. On a game that both men didn’t seem to give enough to wrap it up, it became a test of one’s skill, fortitude and readiness to win. It wasn’t simply a game on the line, but the whole match as well. With a scoreboard that kept exchanging deuce followed by advantage again and again, it had the potential to be the beginning of the end for both men. The composed Federer went into the game with enough poise and self-assurance and was undaunted by how big this game could be. He won some points and he lost some, but that didn’t upset his play as much as his opponent’s. Murray’s shortcomings further reinforced the already bothered player in him as he was always asking himself again and again what he must do to win the game. As the battle went on, Murray’s demise came with it. The fear of another defeat at this stage can be seen on his face. For all his worries, sadly, the game slipped away. Federer won the game with momentum on his side.

Federer Calm and Composed - Clive Rose/Getty Images

            It is always a privilege to be a witness to a player displaying his craft at the highest level, amazing and executed close to perfection. The power of such feats never ceases to amaze and inspire. All the right things happened for Federer as he closed the match. You’d be lucky to see him commit an error. As he was dominating Murray, Federer shut out the mental adversaries he had in the first set. The insecurities, doubts, fear of losing -- they were all gone. All his concentration went to his superhuman game fueled by the tremendous belief he had in himself. His footwork was accurate as his body anticipated every return of the ball, his shots too menacing and agonizing for his opponent to counter. Here was a legendary performance in the flesh on his way to winning the championship. This was the moment Federer became god-like. 

It wouldn’t be too surprising or be taken against him if Murray decided to quit and let Federer stroll to the trophy considering the game’s progression. The spring in Murray’s steps and the eagerness he had at the start of the match were now replaced by heavy feet, slumped shoulders and an even more disappointed look on his face. Even though Murray had a very slim chance of winning at a statistical perspective, Federer was too much to take on. Yet it was also in the same closing stages of the match where Murray proved to everyone why he was a deserving finalist.

The loss was already real in his mind as well as in the arena, but Murray was still valiant and honorable in defeat. When others would brace themselves and accept the attack of the victor, Murray fought and gave a win-worthy effort even with another loss in the horizon. His serves were still intimidating, but not as threatening as Federer’s. His returns were still firm, but not as focused as Federer’s. His resolve was still intact, but not as unshakable as Federer’s. Murray knew he really had it in him, but Federer still had a lot more than him that day.

Federer Down to Earth as the Victor - Reuters

           With an out of this world tennis match for Federer at his age, it was only fitting for him to fall back to the earth as his win was now a reality. “He’s (Federer) not bad for a 30 year old,” said Murray on his emotional 2^nd place acceptance speech. Federer’s performance truly deserved nothing less than another Wimbledon trophy and further validation of how strong and competitive he really is on the tennis court and with himself. Murray was right when he said that Federer, “still had fight in himself.”

Respect - Jonathan Brady/EPA

Murray will certainly get back from this. The road ahead can only be sweeter for him. Federer gave his respects to his honorable opponent when he said, “he’ll (Murray)--at least--win one grand slam.” Federer knew it especially after Murray worried him in that 1^st set and fought bravely to the end. He had the start of his life on this year's final. The English knew it -- the whole world which saw Murray’s effort knew it. No matter how painful 2^nd place was for Murray, there is no bigger consolation prize than the reinforcement of his mental game. His skill is already there, his mentality is still in the making. He certainly had a great model of how perfect tennis and mental game go after facing them in Wimbledon 2012.

Final Score: .R. Federer (def) A. Murray 4-6, 7-5, 6-3,-6-4

Arrival of the Kings

David Klutho/SI

            WHEN the two basketball gems of Los Angeles (Lakers & Clippers) fell under the abuse of rivals San Antonio and Oklahoma City, all hope in the city appeared to be lost for any success in the 2012 playoffs. Kobe’s heroic age-defying plays against the offensive powers of Durant and Westbrook plus the beard of Harden weren’t enough for the Black Mamba to grab his 6^th championship. Even the hype, skill and vision of the newly formed Paul-Griffin combination couldn’t stop the veteran team of Duncan, Parker, Ginobli whose three rings seemed to have blinded the Clippers of their ultimate goal. Little did Los Angeles fans know that their remaining hope for postseason triumph was on the other local team playing their craft under the hard court of Staples Center.

            While the Lakers and Clippers were painfully facing defeat, the 8^th seed LA Kings of the National Hockey League were easily dominating their division rivals in Phoenix 4-1 en route to the NHL’s Stanley Cup finals. There was something to cheer about after all if one was for the city of Angels. And on game six of that final last June 11, 2012, the Kings defeated the New Jersey Devils at their own rink on a 4-2 series score to win the Stanley Cup. This was the franchise’s first championship in their 45 year history. Behind the stellar play of Captain Dustin Brown and goaltender Jonathan Quick, they were able to achieve something even the “Great One” Wayne Gretzky wasn’t able to do back in ’93 for LA.

            Quietly, these Kings were skating their way to glory. In the star-studded city that is Los Angeles, these Kings decided to do their job outside the sports spotlight hogged by Kobe and company. Although one couldn’t be accused of not knowing about this team and their historic run if the NHL playoffs aren’t really followed. Even LA locals themselves would not place the Kings on the same level of prestige as the 17-time champion Lakers. Loyalties are questioned when the basketball court is removed. Still, the Kings played on.

Right state, right name, wrong city

Victory is expected for sports franchises in LA as seen with the Lakers (NBA), Dodgers (MLB) & Raiders (NFL).  Their hockey team however appears to be the black sheep in the family of LA teams. For the Kings, their performance is a shame considering the majesty attached to their team’s name.  The last 20 years of the franchise’s story has been a mix of defeat and rebuilding season after season. Their finals defeat back in ’93 must be the most traumatic defeat of the franchise as they were outplayed in 5 games. Throw in a poisoning bankruptcy scare the following year and it would seem that this team is really destined to fail no matter how hard they try.

Captain Brown and goaltender Jonathan Quick were two among the many cornerstones of the team who kept losing in the recent past. But each knew that they had what it took to become winners.  Brown was selected by the Kings in the first round of the 2003 draft and through the years proved himself worthy of his playing minutes.  He was even a member of the 2009 All-Star Game which is a testament to his playing ability as an all-star.  Quick had a breakout season in 2008 which also contributed to the Kings’ playoff qualification by providing quality goaltending to prevent the puck from passing his body as much as he could.  They are both members of the United States Olympic team -- their talents were unquestionable and world-class.Their team also has a number of solid draft picks by the Kings who played crucial roles for their runs in the playoffs.

Kings suffer defeat against San Jose in 2011 - 

Harry How/Getty Images

Despite the play of these two men and their teammates, the closest thing they can consider a victory in those years was qualifying for the playoffs, and even that happened just three times in the last 10 years. In those times, odds were stacked against them. The team had to undergo tough disappointments of failing expectations. In 2009 and 2010, they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in front of their home crowd. The rink at Staples Center has been conditioned to accept defeat and watch their rivals go on to the next round. Playoff success has always been teased on their faces only to be pulled away from them. No matter how painful each defeat has been, and also because of the tradition, the defeated Kings kept their head high as they lined up year after year to shake the hands of their opponents and wish them luck as they move on. It was difficult for the fans and even more difficult for the players.  Somehow, amidst the dejection on their faces, in those years that they line up, the handshakes were like a warning to them as if to say, “we’re coming for you next time.”

Coach Sutter (Center) with stars 

Carter (Left) & Brown (Right) - 

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Come the 2011-2012 season, there’s a clean slate and a new start. Led by their captain Dustin Brown, the Kings tackled this season with the goal of winning the championship. Still, their road to the playoffs was going to be as tumultuous as their franchise history has been. After a hot start in the season with a record of 5 wins in 6 games, they suddenly went on a slump for a 50% win percentage record. Enough was enough and things had to change. In the middle of what looked like another disappointing season, crucial changes had to be made. First, there was the introduction of a new coach in Darryl Sutter who was responsible for changing the team’s defensive philosophy to an offensive one.  More importantly, Sutter also believed in the ability and natural talent of the players on his team as a winning hockey team. Next was a blockbuster trade that led to their acquisition of all-star Jeff Carter for that extra fire-power the team needed to be a scary playoff contender. These were considered by many as the crucial missing pieces necessary for playoff success they believe they deserved. 

The playoffs had plenty of interesting stories to offer, but the Kings’ were not at the top of that list. Other than a dramatic end to their season, nobody felt the Kings had anything juicy to contribute this post season. Being in the 8^th seed also meant facing more games on the road away from their home fans. There is no place like home, and the Kings surely missed it this playoffs. This was another difficulty in an already difficult season in an already difficult history. Still, the Kings played on.

Brown (White Right) leads the Kings victory against the Canucks - Kathleen Hinkel/Icon SMI

With the Vancouver Canucks as the first round opponents, LA was up against not only the 1^st seeded team in the west and last year’s runner up for the Stanley Cup, they were facing the team with the best regular season record. Odds were again placed against them as another first round exit was just around the corner. For Dustin Brown, Jonathan Quick, and the rest of the Kings, with the memory of being eliminated by the Canucks in the first round of 2009 fresh in their minds, they made sure this year was going to be different. To say LA had a good start would be an understatement. LA was scorching hot.  The series started with a 3-0 destruction care of the Kings, two of those won in Vancouver. The 1^st seed were questioning their capabilities; the 8^th seed were as confident as ever. After a defeat at home in game four, they finished the first round 4-1 and moved on to the 2^nd round for the first time in three attempts. This was only the first act of how good this  team really is.

Quick (Left) denies the Blues - Sarah Conard/Reuters

Next was the 2^nd seeded team in the west: the St. Louis Blues. This series was another display of a team peaking at the perfect time and playing the best hockey they have played for as long as they can remember. Not only did the Kings sweep the Blues 4-0 to advance to the conference final, they did it by really overpowering the opposition. Each game was won by at least a 2-goal deficit. Goaltender Jonathan Quick was already making a buzz for only allowing under two goals a game in nine games. Quick was actually quick in stopping the puck. For the first time, after two games won on the road, they wrapped this series at home ice in game four.  Their skill was too much to handle for the overpowered Blues.  For everyone in attendance, it was nice to see their team line up and shake the hands of their swept opponents as the Kings moved to the next round. It was all in the days work for the Kings.
People were thinking that all good things must come to an end.  A story and performance as hot as this were simply too good to be true.  However in the conference finals, things remained the same.  The Kings faced division rivals and 3^rd seed Phoenix Coyotes. Their first two games was an early imposition of their will on Phoenix as they won their games by scoring four goals.  With that momentum carrying over at home, LA defended well albeit dropping one game. There was still little worry with the team as they clinched the series again scoring four goals at Coyotes’ ice.  Again, a hot LA team dictated the flow of this series as they eliminated their rivals in five games. Finally, the Kings have another shot at the championship since their last failed attempt in ’93.   

Dustin Brown (White) shoots against Phoenix - AP

The Los Angeles Kings: a disciplined team who knew and believed they had the capacity to fight through any adversity they face. Their play silenced their critics and finally showed everyone the true potential these men had: something which was not seen in their pas disappointing playoff attempts.  Goals were being scored all over with their forwards moving the puck effectively and efficiently past defenders.  Their defense played intensely by blanketing and suffocating their opponents, denying them chances and stealing the puck for crucial turnovers.  Most of all, being men down due to penalties given to them were not an issue with the Kings. Rather than be at a disadvantage with penalized players, they shut out opponents, rarely letting opponents score against them.  Even when being shorthanded, they would play effectively enough to score goals themselves.  So much for getting a penalty, they said.

Bruce Bennet/Getty Images

On a larger perspective, the NHL was also buzzing with the stories the Kings have given them in the playoffs. Among them, if you haven't noticed, was that these Kings were road warriors with a seven game winning streak away from home. With a 12-2 playoff record (both defeats at home), it was believed that they were made to play dominating hockey outside LA. Nobody would defeat them as visitors. The Kings didn’t mind getting the 8^thseed that denied them home ice advantage throughout the playoffs. Not only did they win on the road astonishingly, they also defeated the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd seeded teams in the west to march their way into the finals. The road to the cup for them was as easy as 1-2-3 and 4. Four would be the four wins they needed to get the ultimate prize in the NHL: the Stanley Cup.

For the past 14 games, it was fairly easy for LA to execute their game plan to perfection. Their resolve had to be tested in the finals however with what was their toughest challenge yet. The east’s 6^th seed New Jersey Devils were the only ones standing in their way. In the years that LA has faced problems and defeat, New Jersey was busy winning 3 Stanley Cups. This year, the Devils survived early playoff adversity and did their own share of brushing  favorite teams in the east off on their way to the cup final. 

Goaltenders Quick (Left) &. Brodeur (Right) in the final - Bruce Bennet/Getty Images

This was not only a series for the cup, but also a series for the two goaltenders.  Vital to the New Jersey titles were the performances of long-time goaltender Martin Brodeur. Brodeur, still playing at the age of 40, has been haunting goal scorers for years due to his intimidating play, denying them chance after chance of making the buzzer sound after goals.  A 4^th finals victory would certainly be a nice touch to an already stellar career.  For Jonathan Quick, this was a legendary matchup against a future hall of famer on the opposite end of the ice.  At 26 years old, Quick had an opportunity to measure his skills against a tried and tested veteran on a very big stage.  Quick was a baby beside Brodeur, but Quick also knew his skills were not as distant to Brodeur’s as their difference in age might suggest.

Kings set the tone early - Lucy Nicholson/Reuters

The Kings really felt that this year was going to be the year that they finally win it all the way. Not much difference to the other series they have had, LA played New Jersey to earn an unbelievable 3-0 series score. The first two games were tight ones showcasing two close teams deserving to battle for the cup, and two goaltenders defending their goal with their lives. Overtime was needed for a winner to be decided in both games which resulted to a 2-1 Kings victory. Again, the Kings won those 2 games on the road making them undefeated in 10 straight road games.

The 3^rd game was an exhibition of LA’s talent for their home crowd. This was the best hockey they might have played all post season as they demolished the Devils with a score of 4-0, Quick stopping 22 shots. With a sweep waiting around the corner, everyone was jacked up for the occasion. 

In game 4, even before the puck was dropped for the opening face-off, there was already a party brewing in the streets of LA. The people were excited to witness what may be their Kings’ first championship. The crowd was electric inside Staples Center with the anticipation of seeing the Stanley Cup raised in LA. Everyone knew this could be the night they finally do it.  Sadly, the players have gotten ahead of themselves and were carried away by the emotion and excitement in the arena. The Kings played as if the cup was already in their hands (although it was already waiting in the tunnel of Staples Center); The Devils played literally as if there was no tomorrow for them.  The Devils denied them of a sweep as they won the game 3-1 forcing a 5^th game back in New Jersey. 

Devil's goalie Brodeur (Left) puts his body on the line - John Angelillo/UPI

Game five still had the same excitement of game four. Being the road warriors that they are, the Kings faithful believed that they could wrap this up on the road, keep their undefeated road record and finally win the Stanley Cup. The Devils however denied them such a sweet victory for their first title. For the first time, they lost on the road after 10-game road win streak. A rare mistake by Jonathan Quick while at a man disadvantage resulted to a momentum-shifting goal for the Devils and some doubt in the Kings fortitude.  Questions were raised on whether the Kings were actually good or just lucky to be there.  For the first time, LA was falling apart on moments where everyone else was expected to fall apart.  

Game 6 was a do-or-die moment for the Kings in Staples.  Home win would mean a Stanley Cup trophy for their collection; a defeat would mean momentum to the Devils who will play a deciding game seven back in the east, and possibly another heartbreaking cup defeat for LA. 

Devil's Bernier (Right) with a bad hit on King's Scuderi (Left) - Jayne Oncea/US PRESSWIRE

10 minutes in the first period, the Devils were given a 5-minute major penalty for a dangerous hit on one of the Kings’ players.  Being a man-up, LA felt they could finish things oof early on.  With this, the Kings grabbed their chance to dictate the flow of the rest of the game scoring three goals inside those 5-minutes of advantage. Staples Center were on the verge of experiencing something they have never experienced before: winning the Stanley Cup. Yet it was only the 1^st period, two more to go before the celebration can officially start.

The winning moment - Lori Shepler/UPI

Those 5-minutes were already too much for the Devils.  Just like their early series leads, just like their domination on the wills of their opponents, the Kings have played brilliantly early on to deny the enemy a chance for a comeback.  After three more LA goals and a consolation goal for New Jersey, the final score was an astonishing 6-1 blowout for the Kings.  Dustin Brown helped his team in game six by scoring a goal and assisting on two while Quick had the game of his life by making 17 saves for the night.           The 8^th seeded team in the west, with the stigma of being the weakest among playoff teams, showed that the seeding was simply just a seeding.  Jonathan Quick bested rival Martin Brodeur to capture the playoff MVP award.  Captain Dustin Brown was first to lift the Stanley Cup in his team, and the first ever captain to do so in their history.  Let the party begin!

Quick (Left) & Brodeur (Right) share their respects -

Mike Blake/Reuters

It would be an insult to label the LA Kings lucky.  Maybe for a small part, they really were lucky to still be in existence and in contention through the years. Maybe they were lucky for acquiring through the rebuild of the team the players they needed to win the cup.  Maybe they were lucky in hiring the right coach to lead them where they are now.  But watching how they played and the fashion they completely dictated the momentum of the games they played, it was a performance even lady luck wouldn't give .  The LA Kings were not the favorites, nor were favors handed to them to make things easier.  A low seed, a ton of road games and penalties weren’t enough to stop the quality of the LA Kings.  The predicament they have been placed at would even seem to be an unlucky situation.  

There was no point in complaining on how things turned out for them. Those disappointing seasons and humiliating early playoff exits at home would only reinforce them in facing later challenges. Simply put, the Kings believed in themselves, from the general managers, to the coaching staff, to the players, and most especially the fans, to play the kind of hockey the team was really capable of.  No matter the adversity placed on their plates, the LA Kings were sure of their capabilities to overcome them.  Despite being road warriors, it was fitting for the team and for their fans to experience this long awaited victory in their own town.  The Kings have made their mark in LA.

Captain Dustin Brown lifting the Stanley Cup - Christian Petersen/Getty Images