A Light at the End of a Cave

Quote of the Day: "Where logic can stop me in medias res is where passion will get me through."

I made that up, really. Came up with that when I finished my research paper. I'm glad I invented that quote, though, for it really suits what has happened today.

Maria Sharapova is the World No. 1.

Maria Sharapova is the Roland Garros Champion.

Maria Sharapova is the World No. 1 and Grand Slam Champion.

A Good Wrongfulness

Let's pretend that this is 2009. Ask me a question regarding one of my favourite female players. "Do you think Maria Sharapova will ever find her old form?"

Almost instantly I would answer, "No. I don't even think she would ever reach the Top 10 again."

As we all know, Maria was hindered by a shoulder injury that took her out of the Top 100 in 2008 - 2009 (ironically, she started the 2008 season by winning the Australian Open and on May 14, 2008, she reached the No. 1 ranking after Justine retired for the first time). Coming back in 2009, she reached the quarterfinals at Roland Garros, but failed to go far at both Wimbledon (lost to Gisela Dulko in the second round) and the US Open (lost a three-set thriller in the third round to Melanie Oudin--where is that girl now by the way?). When she finally reached the Top 20 again, I was thrilled, but I thought that was it; she would never go beyond Top 20. Top 10? So far away. Top 5? Even farther. Grand Slam final? Heck, no. No. 1 ranking? Unreachable.

JOYEUX ANNIVERSAIRE JUSTINE HENIN!

Yeah, Folks, it's Justine Henin, Queen of Roland Garros' 30th birthday today! I never get tired to say that I miss her so much, her beautiful game, especially now with Roland Garros, a tournament she could win with her eyes closed, going on. Just like in 2008, 2009, and 2011, this year's Roland Garros has proven to be sort of difficult to watch for me and other Justine's fans, simply because she's not playing. I still watch the tournament, of course, because I am, in general, an aficionado of the sport. But still, without Justine, clearly something--or someone--is missing. And it leaves a huge gap that no one can fill.