Simon and Garfunkel - Bridge Over Troubled Water (Live 1969)

Congratulations to Kim Clijsters and Juan Martin Del Potro

I would have loved to see the entire match between Roger Federer and Juan Martin Del Potro. The portion I did get a chance to see was the first set and most of the second set. And at least in those first two sets, the match did look like it was going to be a routine win for Federer: Federer, surprisingly, was basically neutralizing Del Potro’s incredible windspand, hitting sharp angles and coming to net whenever the opportunity arose. Anyone who has seen Del Potro play, however, knows he is not only a gifted athlete but a superbly talented tennis player also. It was only a matter of time for Del Potro to shake off the gitters of being in his first Grand Slam final and find his groove, and it looks like that moment came when Del Potro managed to win the second set – that likely signaled to him that he had a genuine shot at winning. I hope ESPN Classic replays the final so I could see how the drama unfolded. At any rate, congratulations to both Kim Clijsters and Juan Martin Del Potro, two very deserving champions. Here are a few images from the Times.



Unranked Kim Clijsters completed her comeback to tennis by capturing the women's singles title, dispatching 19-year-old Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, 7-5, 6-3. On Monday she was ranked 19th.

Photo: Josh Haner/The New York Times




Clijsters with her daughter, Jada. A 26-year-old wild-card entry from Belgium, Clijsters was a former No. 1 player. She left the game two years ago to start a family, and has played in only three tournaments since her return this year.

Photo: Josh Haner/The New York Times



Juan Martín del Potro is a powerful, 6-foot-6 player with a huge serve whose game is well-suited to the speedy hard court of Ashe Stadium, and he stunned Nadal on Sunday, winning in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2, 6-2.
Photo: Uli Seit for The New York Times

Copyright 2009 The New York Times Company

"The familiar that discloses itself at the end of a journey"

When one thinks of Kim Clijsters and her tennis journey so far, there is a prevailing sense of potential that has yet to be fully realized. Ever since she began playing on the pro circuit, Kim Clijsters has always shown the kind of promise that many of the greatest tennis players have shown when they began their tennis journeys - by virtue of her unbelievable athletic ability, her superb tennis skill and her unyielding determination to run down every ball. We have seen glimpses of that potential greatness when she achieved the number one ranking in women’s tennis; won the US Open title in 2005; won the WTA year-end Championships in 2002 and 2003; and reached the French Open finals twice and the Australian Open once. Even so, for one reason or another, she seemed to be one step behind other top players, such as fellow Belgian Justine Henin. Part of the reason is due to the incredible depth of competition on the women’s tour. Nonetheless it is also true that Kim Clijsters failed to shift things into first gear when the occasion warranted it. The breakthrough that could set Kim Clijsters on a path to fully realizing her potential, however, may have come at this year’s US Open, two years after her decision to retire from tennis and start a family.

The circumstances of her renaissance at this year’s US Open could not have been more exhilarating and surreal. In a match played late last night, as a consequence of the rain that has caused havoc to the schedule of play, Kim Clijsters displayed the brilliant form and mature resolve that dashed Venus’ hopes in the previous round while endearing her to tennis fans. I saw only portions of the match, but, from my vantage point, there was no doubt Kim Clijsters was outplaying Serena Williams – who, as I have mentioned, was “full of confidence” coming into the US Open and was looking for a Grand Slam trifecta after winning the Australian Open and Wimbledon championships this year. (While I will leave it to the tennis authorities to sort out the circumstances of this unusual semifinal encounter, I will say that rules are put in place for a reason – that is, to assure equitable and fair treatment to all). Kim Clijsters will next go up against Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki in a highly anticipated final. As the acclaimed writer Cynthia Ozick once noted: "nothing is so awesomely unfamiliar as the familiar that discloses itself at the end of a journey." Although anything can happen in a tournament marked by surprises, a win in the final will no doubt carry special meaning for Kim Clijsters.

National Day of Service and Rememberance: a few quotations

Through their own lives and through you, the loved ones they left behind, the men and women who lost their lives eight years ago today leave a legacy that still shines brightly in the darkness and that calls on all of us to be strong and firm and united. That is our calling today and in all the Septembers still to come. - President Barack Obama

The world is hugged by the faithful arms of volunteers. - Everett Mámor

Eight years ago, countless people played a part in history by doing something to help another person. Each act was a link in a continuous chain that kept us from falling into cynicism and despair. - Mayor Michael Bloomberg

From this day forward, we will safeguard the memories of those who died by rekindling the spirit of service that lit our city with hope and helped keep us strong. - Mayor Michael Bloomberg

Nancy Wilson singing "How Glad I Am"