2008 US Open: Nike Unveils It’s Tennis Campaign, Nadal vs. Federer

August 22, 2008
The Grapple in the Apple

The Grapple in the Apple

With the 2008 US Open about to kick off, Nike unveiled the largest tennis based marketing campaign in quite some time by highlighting the two players that the whole of tennis fandom will have their focus on: Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Could they meet in their third consecutive grand slam final? Could they possibly come close to “The Match”?

Well there are six matches each modern day legend has to win to get to that fateful Sunday afternoon. But the world is chomping at the bits!

As a fan I can’t wait to start seeing the TV ads on this one. Should be as memorable as the Sampras Agassi street tennis campaign from the late 90’s.

Shit, I didn’t know that Sampras is a Republican.

cap

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Pete Sampras Speaks on Charlie Rose: On Retirement, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, And Much More!

August 7, 2008

Sampras Still Believes in Federer

I’ll be the first to admit it. I was never that huge a fan of Pete Sampras. Even at his prime, I always appreciated his accomplishments and his legacy but I never felt a deep connection to either his personality or his game. That is until I read his recent autobiograpahy “A Champion’s Mind”. It’s like the endorsements on the back cover say:

“Consider this book Sampras’ 15th Grand Slam. A thoroughly compelling read that–apart from retracing a gilded sport career–really probes the ‘hard drive’ of a champion. It’s as if all the emotion and insight that Sampras sometimes seemed reluctant to express during his playing days comes spilling forth.”
—Jon Wertheim, Senior Writer, Sports Illustrated and SI.com

Well said.

Now I can’t help but miss the guy more and more with every passing Grand Slam. Fortunately for us tennis fans, Sampras is all class. Yes, I believe a lot of Sampras’ silence is due to the fact that the guy just flat out doesn’t have an outgoing personality. He’s shy. Even when he yelled out the occasional “YES!” on court, it always sounded awkward.

Who the heck doesn’t have issues, right? But like I say, he’s all class.

So what a nice surprise when he was the second guest on one of my favorite shows last night. Charlie Rose is no pushover interviewer like the late night ass clowns who host the network late night shows. It’s honest, informative, engaging and above all, sincere.

Check out the interview and please go and check out Sampras’ book at your local library or buy it on Amazon. It’s a quick, fascinating read that makes not only tennis fans, but sports fans and fans of winners alike understand and appreciate what really goes into producing a great champion and winner.

cap

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Today’s Amazon Purchases: A Champion’s Mind & Curb Your Enthusiasm Season Six

July 16, 2008

One of these days I need to publish a post chronicling my adoration for Amazon. But for now, I wanted to share this random post of what I’m expecting this week.

 Pete Sampras Book Cover for A Champion's Mind

First off, I am really looking forward to reading Pete Sampras’ memoir: “A Champion’s Mind: Lessons From A Life In Tennis“. Until Roger Federer officially breaks this champ’s record fourteen Grand Slams, Pete Sampras is still arguably the greatest tennis champion in history.

So what if he didn’t win the French Open and the closest he ever got was to the semi’s?

So what if he lost two straight US Open finals prior to finally clinching his record 14th slam in 2002 against Andre Agassi, the same man he beat for his first US Open just 12 years prior?

How did he deal with the constant bashing his family took near the end of his career by the press as to why he couldn’t tough out another grand slam title?

How did he deal with the press constantly and openly criticizing him for being dull and boring at his peak?

What was really going through his mind when Jim Courier disrespectfully taunted Pete in the 95 Australian Open quarters?

What about the time Sampras literally lost his lunch and came back to beat Alex Corretja at the ‘96 US Open quarters?

Might he address his feelings on how he feels about breaking a decades old record of most grand slams only to have it pretty immediately threatened (and most likely) to be broken by Roger Federer?

These are just some of the questions I hope Sampras’ book answers.

Furthermore I’m always fascinated by the mind and heart of a champion? I think most of us are. So, this is another way to enter that mind.

I’ve read and heard many glowing reviews about this book and look forward to cracking it open.

Curb Your Enthusiasm

And why Curb Your Enthusiasm, Season 6?

J.B. Smoove, yo. J.B. Smoove.

But since I’m on the subject… I hate myself for falling into this “I have to complete my collection” bullshit mentality I’ve succumbed to.

How do I break this spending habit? Just stop cold turkey?

Right guys?

cap

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