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Way to go Stan Wawrinka. Stan the man gets it done down under, defeating Rafael Nadal, 6-3, 6-2,3-6,6-3 to win the Australian Open title and his first ever Grand Slam title. Brad Gilbert calls him “Stanimal” but I like Stan the Man!! Wonderful for Wawrinka who has rededicated himself both professionally and personally in his life and has now accomplished the pinnacle, a major title in tennis. To be fair, Rafa appeared to suffer a back injury in the second set, or perhaps he brought something into the match we were unaware of, but Stan was taking it to him from the get go. Take nothing away from Stan, he played a beautiful match and deserved this trophy on every level. It was Australia Day, and as fireworks went off in the distance to celebrate, the fireworks on the court were set off by Stan’s complete game, serving, forehand winners, backhand winners, net play, Stan was “the man”!! As an aside, I only wish if Rafa was going to go down, it had of come a couple of days earlier, against Roger Federer. Gee, that is not cool, I know it. I do not want to rain on Stan’s parade, and I know Roger, being the class act he is, does not either. But still, this Rafa – Roger thing is in Federer’s head! I think Stefan Edberg is a great addition to Roger’s team. But I almost think he needs a sports psychologist to erase the “Rafa syndrome” from his mind. Roger can beat Rafa, he just needs to let go of all their history and get out there and get it done.
Anyhow, today was all about the great victory for the other Swiss guy, who on Monday will become the #1 ranked Swiss player. Really interested to see how the men’s rankings shake out after this first Grand Slam of the year, with Del Potro losing, David Ferrer losing and Stan beating both Djokovic and Nadal. Rafa was heartbroken that his body had let him down, sobbing with his face down in a towel, obviously in pain and so disappointed. The Aussie Open has not been kind to Rafa or his body. So, Wawrinka wins, the rankings come out tomorrow, and the tennis season is underway! Give Mr. Federer another month and a half to get himself right with the new racquet and let’s see what the spring has to offer. Hope Rafa recovers and is at full strength for the next tournament he plays. Again, what a huge accomplishment for Stan Wawrinka! I was pulling for him, and I bet Roger was too!!
In the Farmers Open Golf Championship from Torrey Pines, a few clouds in the sky (no, not in California?) and Scott Stallings takes the title with a final score of -9. Jordan Spieth fell off and finished at -5. Gary Woodland finished second at -8. Honestly, I did not watch, no Tiger, no Phil, no Rory, what can I say? Watched the depleted Lakers fall to the Knicks at the Garden in a close one. (Kobe in street clothes on the bench).
Later guys!
