MohanBabu
Photo by Shep McAllister on Unsplash
It was the year 2015 and I was watching the Wimbledon ladies singles final match live on Television. Serena Williams, seeded no.1, was being challenged by a promising young new player Garbine Muguruza from Spain. Muguruza looked like the only player who could stop the otherwise invincible Serena. I was rooting for Muguruzza as I was bored seeing Serena’s continuous reign at the top. The match was much closer than what the final scoreline revealed. Muguruza lost in straight sets to the champion but only after giving a stiff fight. Heartbroken, she could not console herself after the closely fought battle and she was seen crying even during the prize distribution ceremony. Then Serena started speaking after receiving the trophy. She had some very special words for Muguruza saying how well she had fought and how she could understand her emotions since she had been in similar situations before. Serena went on to assure Muguruza that she would soon be holding the trophy for sure in future. Such heart warming words from the champion player brought the smile back on Muguruza’s face. That was the moment for one to see the human side of the great Serena Williams. Now, I am rooting for a Serena to win another Grand Slam title as a proud mother.
True to Serena’s words, Muguruza went on to lift the French Open title in 2016 defeating Serena in the finals. She had also won a Wimbledon title in 2017 after defeating Venus Williams in the finals.
-
Is sportsmanship or sportswomanship critical for you while supporting a player?
-
Yes. It certainly helps.
-
No. I would support a player based on talent and skills.
-
Yes Abhijit. It is key for any sport. I said Tennis because I have quotted a sportswomanly gesture from that game.
Actually, why only tennis, sportsmanship is a gem and should be there for every sport and be practiced by everyone, even fans! Right?