More tennis wank, I’m afraid.

I cut my fringe back in, because I was sick of the sight of my own forehead:

Having another yawnerific “discussion” with Rob via Facebook concerning tennis. He seems bothered by my opinion that today’s Australian Open final was a disappointment. Last year’s was one of the best matches I’ve ever seen (it wasn’t as spectacular as the semi with Verdasco, especially as the final’s fifth set was an exhibition of exhaustion, but it was still fantastic) and this year, whatever way you look at it, doesn’t compare. Of course he brings up my ass-kissing of Nadal, as I predicted he would – I have a favourite player, so what? I don’t even need to bring out the stats and video replays to show you who the better player is, so I won’t. Fact is, Nadal wouldn’t have won today if he had been in the final – in his current form, I would say he’d take a set, at the most. But that’s not the point; Nadal didn’t get to the final, he is injured, he has not been playing his best.

What about His Holiness The Great And Revered Messiah Andrew “Very Angry All The Time” Murray? He is on form, he has played some great tennis this tournament, and as the media have not failed to point out in recent days, this was his best chance of his entire career thus far of winning a slam final. And he didn’t do it. I’m sure he’ll have another chance. Despite my firm belief that Roger Federer is a cyborg sent from outer space, he must surely show signs of aging at some point within the next ten years, thus causing his dominance to fade. I think Muzza’s real chance comes then, which would be sad in a way…if, to finally win a slam, he has to wait for the world’s best to diminish, it’s not a great reflection on him as a player looking to create a legacy. The great thing about Rafa and Roger’s inimitable rivalry is that, no matter who is playing better at which time on what surface in whichever country, they have both beaten each other in the big events when it really counts, and they have so much more respect for each other because of that simple fact.

Still, the comments keep things interesting, I suppose. I relish differences in opinion, it’s what life is all about. It’s futile to argue such things, but as it’s my profile I posted it on, nobody has to read it, and if they should want to comment, then I will always reply. Common courtesy, y’know?

Anyway, Nadal’s knees are playing up again (and I do worry about him, but I’m confident that if he doesn’t stress and takes his time, he’ll still be able to play at the top level for a few years yet) and has been ruled out for the next four weeks. I have not rooted for anybody else over the last six years of my life, so I’m at a loss, and I’m trying to think who I cheered on when the knees ruled him out last year…oh, of course, The Back-Up Spaniards. These include Fernando “Double Fault” Verdasco, Felicity Lopez and David “Can’t String Two Wins Together” Ferrer. It will be interesting to see which of the top players get off to a good start. Federer’s a given, but I’d like to see Djokovic do well. I think the tour needs a bit of crazy; he isn’t criminally boring like some of the others are. He’s a headcase, but I like it.

Anyway, on ONTD Tennis there was a guy love thread. Some of the shared photos were too cute not to share:

IT’S GUY LOVE

THAT’S ALL IT IS

IT’S GUY LOVE

HE’S MINE, I’M HIS

NOTHIN’ GAY ABOUT IT IN OUR EYES

IT’S GUY LOVE

BETWEEN TWO GUYS

And with that, let’s hope 2010 is a good one for tennis. I expect Delpot will steal another slam, and if Cilic improves on his confidence, then from what we’ve seen so far, we could have a few different faces cropping up in finals, which would be nice.

Right, well, enough of that. Today is my designated writing day. I have to finish typing up my Snodgrass notes (it’s best if you don’t ask) and make a start on the next chapter of Nom…although it’s a beasty one.  We’ll see what happens. I will also see to my toothache & headache combination, and hopefully get some reading done. All in a Sunday’s work.