By Steve England - ESVN (fair & balanced). On the eve of the TowerTennis Championship finals - one wonders what must be going through the minds of the finalist. Are they confident... are they nervous... do they realize the significance of the battle they are about to undertake? As a dispatched former champion - I would like to offer my own thoughts on this epic battle only a day away.As I write this the men's finals of the US Open are underway, and I reflect upon the women's finals which concluded just yesterday. Number one in the world - Victoria Azarenka was two points away from claiming the championship, but could not close the match! This was much like my own inability to put down Dynasty Champion JT in the semifinals! Like Azarenka, I had opportunities to win, and as Azarenka credited Williams' physical and mental strength as a player for her demise. I too, must credit JT's perseverance and resolve to fight back from imminent defeat, for my own! If fact, I made a trip to the bank earlier today to secure a crisp $50 bill to pay JT the bounty placed on Sopcic's head earlier in the season - just in case he wins!
What JT showed was a determination that only champions possess. Frankly, I thought Azarenka had the match in the bag, but Serena Williams stayed the course, fought to the end, and eventually persevered! JT possesses this same ability! When you couple his past accomplishments with his ability to fight until the end - JT stands a good chance of extending his record to an unprecedented five titles!
Sopcic however, was a finalist last year, and has only improved over the summer! I would say that considering the Croatian Sensation's undefeated record, and general ease in which he's defeated all who has crossed his path, that Sopcic is slightly favored. I've even heard some younger players say that Sopcic is: "A man among boys". Tomorrow night we will see if youthful brawn, or slightly older brawn (with four titles to his credit) will persevere... either way it will be a match to remember!
Sopcic however, was a finalist last year, and has only improved over the summer! I would say that considering the Croatian Sensation's undefeated record, and general ease in which he's defeated all who has crossed his path, that Sopcic is slightly favored. I've even heard some younger players say that Sopcic is: "A man among boys". Tomorrow night we will see if youthful brawn, or slightly older brawn (with four titles to his credit) will persevere... either way it will be a match to remember!
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