I must say that the morning (Australian time) that Rafter won his first US Open in 97 was one of the best.
It seemed that everyone who at least knew something about tennis was walking on air around my high school.
I remember leaving for school while the match was going, and getting to Art class. The teacher who knew I was a huge tennis fan, she said "Simon, what are you doing here, shouldn't you be watching the tennis?". If I had have known how she felt, I wouldn't have turned up.....hehehe.
The class ended up listening to the match on the radio.......even the girls who didn't know what was happening enjoyed the win.
Ran out of class, and everyone was talking about it. Little did I know that that day would be such a huge step forward for Australian tennis.
It was truly amazing. Felt good to be able the celebrate the win with others.
I followed Kuerten through the final few rounds in the 97 French Open, and the was another happy moment. Seeing this skinny kid come from nowhere (as far as I was concerned) to win the title, and finding out about the story about his father made it so memorable.
The way Goran won, after so many disappointment was brilliant, and when he dedicated the win to Drazan Petrovic sent a chill up my spine.
Finally, after following Carlos through to the final of the Aus Open in 97, seeing him win the French the following year was very enjoyable.
Seeing Daniela win a Grand Slam would give me similar feeling to how I felt seem Carlos win.
I cant wait......
Simon V