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If this tale was the timeless classic, one of my all time favorites – ‘Gulliver’s’ Travels’, the plot line would read ‘Lilliputians Win in Brobdinag’...

Davis Cup: When Goliath(s) Beat Daveed's Team

by Long John Silver (Senior Writer)

15

411 reads

Editorial

November 24, 2008

Tennis, Men's Tennis, Rafael Nadal, Davis Cup, Editorial

 

If this tale was the timeless classic, one of my all time favorites – ‘Gulliver’s’ Travels’, the plot line would read ‘Lilliputians Win in Brobdinag’. Yeah – a tale of Goliath(s) putting it past David (Da-vee-d), quite literally.

Make no mistake, the men from Spain can play ball, but I do compare them to the diminutive, yet equally adept Lilliputians because of the fact that they were without their Master and Commander – Rafael Nadal.

The Argentines on the other hand did have a full strength team (with Del Potro and Daveed Nalbandian), ready to play for what was expected to be their historic triumph in Copa Davis, at home in Mar del Plata (in the Province of Buones Aires)

Nalbandian did cream through Ferrer on the first day (3, 2, 3) to get the Argies on board 1-0. The second match between Feliciano Lopez and Del Potro was really the crux of the tie. If F-Lo might have gone down to Del Potro, it is indeed almost impossible for the Spanish team to come back from a 0-2 deficit without Rafa Nadal.

But F-Lo did weather the storm and got his nose ahead just enough, to seal the second and third tie breakers, the Argentinean cookie began to crumble then … F-Lo won 4-6, 7-6, 7-6 and 6-3

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comments (15) write a comment »

  1. reply to comment by rohini
    about 1 month ago

    hie Long...just want to say this...when you write you are just word perfect...excellent piece of editorial....POTD!!!

    1. by Long
      from about 1 month ago

      surprising - that this was received very well

      thats essential isnt it RI ? we dont have a lot of time, so just cut to the point, NO BS when we write

      so that we and the people reading it - make use of our time

      cheers - thanks for the pick

      PS: why did you not cover davis cup ? am just curious

  2. reply to comment by J.A.
    about 1 month ago

    Long - sometimes you just take my breath away...exquisite writing, coaxing and sensitive ...you did it superbly...i could even read between the lines in your comments about teams...bravo! jaa

    1. by Long
      from about 1 month ago

      thanks to start with -

      yeah, i wanted us to cover davis up too - i love team sports, love soccer, f-1 and cricket, hence love the mateship aspect of it

      and -

      love to know an example of what you read between lines ...

  3. reply to comment by J.A.
    about 1 month ago

    When i have time - i will tell you because you asked - and i always tell you what you want to know! later, though--working now...jaa

    1. by J.A.
      from about 1 month ago

      Finally work day ended!

      "The energy level would only go down in the team when its spear-head loses his cool. It’s a very simple thing – but when you are a team, the last thing you want to do is to lose your cool in the midst of everyone, especially when everyone else looks to you for guidance and inspiration."

      If we regard this "house" as a team then you are its leader and therefore, are looked to for guidance and inspiration...a heavy burden not to lose your cool underfire - to remain upbeat and positive is a difficult task for anyone...that basically is what i meant.

      i meant no offense...just an observation that i connected to as i read this...sorry--wasn't trying to be mysterious or anything...jaa

    2. by Long
      from about 1 month ago

      thank you - it is one of the basic things in any sport as a captain

      you cant lose your cool in front of everyone, you gotta be sensitive - but firm at the same time

      i ve had people who lead me lose their cool - and i know how the team feels when that hap

      cheers

      hugs !

      happy turkey day - wats on the cards

  4. reply to comment by Rob
    about 1 month ago

    Good work, Long. I'm sure Peter Bodo feels like a genius right now. He posted a blog the day before the tie began saying that this was a breakthrough opportunity for F-Lo. It happened just like that, too.

    1. by Long
      from about 1 month ago

      yeah - i like bodo, he comes up with these very very intuitive tennis pieces sometimes, one of the very few who knows what he talking about

      bodo is lovely and refreshing

      changed the espanol - to espana !

      cheers

  5. reply to comment by rohini
    about 1 month ago

    i wanted to...but guess what!!! someone just did it first...[:P]

    1. by Long
      from about 1 month ago

      OFCOURSE RI - if ts between you and bodo, anyday i wud take you

      you are way more smarter, funnier and way more perceptive than him - not even a competition

  6. reply to comment by rohini
    about 1 month ago

    thanks for saying that Long, i am really honoured.....i just hope i will continue to do my best....

    1. by Long
      from about 1 month ago

      YOU BELIEVED what i said right ?

  7. reply to comment by rohini
    about 1 month ago

    yeah absolutely.....i did

    1. by Long
      from about 1 month ago

      GOOD on ya mate -

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About the Author Long John Silver (senior writer)

  • 100 articles written
  • 2437 comments posted
  • 77 fans

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