Gonzo, Fena, Fernando...whatever you called him...if you were a fan of his tonight it was probably a pretty emotional night. Ninety percent of those who cared weren't there...those lucky few at that Stadium court witnessed something special. Not a doubt in my mind.
Its not often that I'm thankful for Twitter but tonight I was...because of Twitter, those who weren't there or could not see it due to lack of TV coverage got to "almost" feel like we were there via accounts like @onthegotennis and @BenRothenberg amongst others.
I am so glad that I had those few years of going to the L.A. tournament the years that Gonzo was entered. To see him play on TV is great but I just didn't get the scope of his game til I sat there and watched that forehand in person.
I haven't cried...I probably won't. He didn't die...he's just listening to what his body, heart, etc, whatever be his primary reason, is saying and moving on. Its sad. Same as it was sad when Agassi called it a day. And Nicolas Kiefer.
And Guillermo Coria. And Guillermo Canas. And Gustavo Kuerten. And Sebastien Grosjean.
No doubt that Clement, Malisse, Nalbandian, Haas, and a few others aren't far from making that decision.
I'm thankful that I got to be a Gonzo "fan" for 10 years. One fellow fan called it a "great ride" and I think that's probably the best way to describe it.
My favorite memory will probably always be the Olympics. What he and Nicolas Massu accomplished was amazing.
So, as I yawn and wrap this up...I may of had to follow the match on the scoreboard but I still felt like I was a part of a moment...and it was a good moment. Seeing #VamosFena trending was a gorgeous moment that I'll never forget.
So, again...Thank you Gonzo. May his next life be more rewarding than the one he leaves behind.
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