Big Boys Do Cry

... and that's ok.

I'm referring to the tears shed by Roger Federer when he lost the 2008 Australian Open to his younger, and now better, rival, Rafael Nadal in the 5-set thriller in sizzling Melbourne yesterday.

I think tears make a stronger man. Firstly, it takes a bold man to show his emotions. Secondly, it shows how much he cared. He played passionately, probably visualizing a final battle that will confirm once and for all whether he has indeed past him peak. And when the results showed that someone else will now take over the throne, it must have been devastatingly heartbreaking.

My respect for him as a player did not diminish one bit with those tears. On the contrary, I will always remember that shadow of sadness across his face when he realised the inevitable.

But cheer up. You will always be remembered as one of the giants in the history of tennis.