A hot day in Paris, Sunday 8 June, 2014

English: Jem Mace Русский: Джеймс Мэйс, известный обычно как Джем Мэйс или «Джипси» Мэйс (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Rafa Nadal won his 9th French Open title in 4 sets in a match which drained the stamina of both men. His opponent, Djokovic, was the other man. Running to make returns was sometimes avoided when the energy loss in making a difficult return was not worth it. Both players did this.

In the 4th set Djokovic must have wanted both to win the French Open and not want to play a 5th set to do so. Maybe this was a clinching psychological dilemma which led to him losing the match in the 4th set.

Neither of them ate any bananas which might have helped with their energy.

The contest reminded me of reading about the stamina-sapping bareknuckle fights of old.* They went on until one of the pair could not get up from the ground to confront his opponent.

The two tennis finalists were at least able to make speeches, receive cheques and walk off the court unaided.


*Jem Mace, from Norfolk, in the 19th century fought in the USA and Australia after becoming famous in his own country at this illegal sport. 

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