There are times when you catch some truly inspiring moments on TV. Today's French Open finals was one of them.

     David and I would usually root for the same players and teams when we watch sports on TV. However, that was not the case this morning when we watched the French Open championships. David wanted Roger Federrer to win the French Open and I was supporting Rafael Nadal.

     For the record, we like both Federrer and Nadal. They are exceptionally outstanding tennis players. Federrer had never won the French Open in his entire career and David wanted him to get it this year. 

     I wanted Nadal to win because, by winning this year's French Open, he would tie the record of another outstanding tennis player, Bjon Borg. Federrer broke Borg's Wimbledon record last year, so I wanted Nadal to have his own record breaking moment as well. "Besides", I told David, "Federrer has already lost the Australian Open this year, let him have all 4 Grand Slams next year".    

     Like the rest of the tennis world, David and I expected an extraordinary tennis match between the world's number 1 and 2 tennis players for the championship game. It did not turn out that way, to the shock and disbelief of everyone who is closely monitoring the tennis world. Even the commentators were lost for words on how to describe the game's outcome.

     To say that Federrer was outplayed by Nadal would be an understatement. Nadal beat Federrer 6-1, 6-3, 6-0. I have never seen Federrer lost a set 6-0, and definitely not in a major Grand Slam championship. It was a bad day for one of the greatest players in the world. Even if I was rooting for Nadal, it was painful to watch Federrer beaten so badly. I think most of the people in the audience felt the same way as well.

     In the final seconds of the game, when Nadal  hit the last winning shot and knew he had won, he kept himself from "celebrating". He knew that Federrer was feeling disappointed and downhearted and he did not  want to "add insult to injury". That showed a lot of class and character for someone who just turned 22 years old. It was his day in the sun, having just won one of the biggest games in his career. He was entitled to show jubilation but his respect for Federrer came first.

     During the trophy awarding ceremony, Federrer acknowledged Nadal's victory with grace, respect and humor. He gave Nadal his due without making excuses nor berating himself. If I liked Federrer before, I appreciate him even more now and I hope he wins all 4 Grand Slams next year.

    Nadal started his victory speech with, "Sorry Roger". He knew that although he had played well, Federrer did not play his best tennis as well. This guy's humility is worth emulating. One of the commentators mentioned that Nadal's uncle, who is also his coach and trainer, gave him a motto which he has taken to heart, "Be hungry, be humble".  

     Watching these two giants, one showing grace in defeat and the other showing humility in victory, was a truly inspiring moment. A real class act, indeed.