Novak Djokovic was recently named the number one ranked men's tennis player in the world, and earlier today he showed us why. Djokovic beat defending Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 earlier this afternoon to win his first Wimbledon trophy and third career major. The 24 year old Serbian was on top of his game when it mattered most. Djokovic had 22 winners, four unforced errors, and never faced a break point through the first two sets of the match. However, the resilient Nadal would not go down without a fight, for the match was taken to a fourth set. But in the end, too much Djokovic and some mistakes by Nadal gave the world's new number one his 48th win of the season. And now that Novak Djokovic has won Wimbledon and the Australian Open, the next test for tennis' next big thing will come August 29th at the U.S. Open.
Staying with Wimbledon, another upset shook the All English Club on Sunday. Petra Kivitova defeated Maria Sharapova 6-3, 6-4 to clinch her first tennis major. The 21 year old Kivitova was the youngest player to win at Wimbledon since, her opponent, Maria Sharapova won at Wimbledon when she was 17 in 2004. Kivitova had the upper hand from the first serve, for the young southpaw compiled 19 winners over the course of the match. Also, Sharapova's sloppy play aided Kivitova's quest for the All English Trophy. Sharapova had a total of six double faults during the course of the match, which was almost half of her total of 13 double faults for the tournament. Another fun fact about Petra Kivitova is that she is the first left handed female since Martina Navratilova to win a major on a grass surface. Kivitova also plans to take her victory to New York and participate in the U.S. Open on August 29th.
Shifting over to the diamond now, the starters for Major League Baseball's All-Star teams have been selected by us, the fans. For the American League, the Yankees and Red Sox own the infield; for Yankees send Third Baseman Alex Rodriguez, Shortstop Derek Jeter, and second baseman Robinson Cano to the mid summer classic, while the BoSox send their first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and DH David Ortiz. The outfield is surrounded by some unfamiliar faces this time around for the AL. Yes Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers is in left, but Yankee Centerfeilder Curtis Granderson and leading vote getter Jose Bautista of the Toronto Blue Jays deffer from the AL's usual outfeild of Ichiro, Torri Hunter, and a player to be named later. But what is truly surprising is that the AL will have Detroit Tigers will have catcher Alex Avila. Avila has come out of nowhere with, sporting a .298 average with 10 home runs and 46 runs batted in. Not stellar numbers, but with Joe Mauer hurt most of the year, and the rest of the AL lacking behind the backstop, Avila is the best choice.
For the National League All Stars, there is an almost entirely new cast of characters playing the role of All Star Starters. Yes Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann is an anchor at his position, Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun has made several All Star games before, and Mets Shortstop Jose Reyes is playing great in a contract year, the rest of the lineup is surprising. For one thing, the right side of the infield is occupied by Brewers Prince Fielder and Rickie Weeks instead of All Star regulars Cardinals first Baseman Albert Pujols and Phillies second baseman Chase Utley. Although the play of Phillies third baseman Placido Polanco has been consistent as always, nobody could have predicted the great seasons Dodger outfielder Matt Kemp or Cardinals outfielder Lance Berkman have been having. The Starting pitchers have not been chosen for either side yet and the 34th man for each team can still be voted in by us the fans at MLB.com to give somebody something to do during the All Star Break.
Speaking of the All Star break, baseball will have their annual Home Run Derby on July 11th. The Home Run Derby has been nothing but trouble for players since its maiden voyage during the 1985 All Star Break. The simplified format of the original Derby of one round and five players to a team has been dreadfully elongated due to it's prime time status on ESPN. Also, the Derby is not nearly as exciting to watch anymore because hitters in today's game are hitting far fewer home runs than during the 90s and the early part of the decade. The downswing in the long ball is due to a combination of better pitching today and a dramatic decrease in steroid use. All of these negative factors come without mentioning the damage the Derby can do to a player's swing. Look at Bobby Abreu of the Los Angeles Angeles of Anaheim. Before the 2005 Derby, he averaged .303, 21 homers, and 95 RBIs. After his record breaking night? .286 average with a lowly 13 homers, and 65 RBIs a year. Bottom line, the Home Run Derby stinks and we would all be better off without it.
