upward trajectory

India make it 1-1 against South Africa:Takeaways from the Second Test at Durban

The second Test at Durban ended with India triumphant, levelling the series 1-1.

A few takeaways from a thrilling encounter:

VVS Laxman is Very, Very Special. He has proved that before and did so anew. What can be said about the Hyderabadi maestro that has not been said before? Dealing in mere superlatives seems trite given the backdrop of his recent achievements. Suffice to say, that he was man-of-the-match (MOM), top-scoring in both innings, the only player to score over 50 from both sides.

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Four Reasons Why It Could Be Federer All The Way At Flushing Meadows

The Poached Egg

The hiring of Paul Annacone as coach appears a masterstroke in hindsight. Federer’s results and ranking since have shown an upward trajectory.

He has reached two consecutive finals: The Rogers Cup and Cincinatti Masters, winning the latter.

A new resilience and a willingness to slug it out with the best of them exemplify Federer’s ascendant star. He expects no easy wins and is willing to stay the course. This was so not the case earlier when Federer’s opponents were  overawed by his reputation and gifted away easy victories.

The mortality of Federer has unlocked a new stream of consciousness in his opponents  that there is life in professional tennis despite his looming presence.

As to how Annacone has added luster to Federer’s glory, the answer is still in the realm of  speculation.

Roger, what is it? Is it validation? Is it motivation? Is it technical? Or is he a trophy coach?

Either way, Annacone is there to egg Federer on to his sixth US Open title.

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