AN OWN GOAL

My association with tennis is mostly through Federer. I still remember it was during Australian Open 2005. I didn’t know who Federer was. Neither did I know his opponent Marat Safin. It was in final set of that match, I first saw a tennis match. Crowd was going crazy. Safin’s serve was lightning fast and he was dominating. But, I was supporting Federer in that match. He lost it in fifth set, as he slip on match point. Then came French Open. Nadal was in the news, a young man, running high on clay success. Again I was supporting Federer. He lost again. It was then I started watching tennis consistently and hoped Federer would win.

My hope came true. Federer began to win more frequently and soon by next Australian open, I was a Federer Fan who would hate to lose. Things were moving smoothly, he was winning all of the matches, except on clay. Didn’t concern me much in the beginning. But when he lost second final too, I was worried. I was blinded by his rate of success. I must say at some stage I was just keen on his winning, than his brilliance on court.

Then came the worst part, I remember virtually for 4-5 grand slams, I stopped seeing him play in later part of tournaments. I began to be superstitious. I used to blindly follow score line after the point finishes. I used to constantly change the channel and made sure, I wouldn’t be seeing crucial points play. I begin to associate his losing points to my behaviour. It used to get so top of my nerves that it would take 24 hrs to come out of it if Federer wins and 48-72 hrs to come out of it if Federer loses.

Today, when I reflect back my behaviour was laughable. I feel sad that I couldn’t watch his brilliance in those crucial moments. When I see Federer play these days, somehow winning and losing seem to be second for me. I just look out for his artistic majesty. Even today I get disappoint when he loses. But, I can just dust it off with in few minutes. Why all this now! You must be wondering?

I have seen many times we feel wicket would fall if we don’t watch or batsmen would score a four on not watching. In beginning it happens in any random match. It slowly becomes a habit and we slowly stop seeing and enjoying the match as we get more bothered with result. Somehow result takes precedence over game and in most cases we end up doing all insane and foolish acts believing our team would benefit from it.

To all those crazy sports fan don’t score an own-goal as I did. It is a game at the end of the day. Not, a ritual for one to be superstitious. Enjoy each moment of play !