There were moments Tuesday night where all I could do was shake my head.
Sitting at the front of Matthew Knight Arena’s press row, I marveled at the power of Nike.
Phil Knight and Co. presented the 12,220 spectators in attendance with one of the greatest shows, albeit a light-hearted one, that anyone could have dreamed of. Knight pulled four of the biggest names in tennis to Eugene just days ­— actually one day — before the fifth-largest tournament on the ATP tour was set to begin in Indian Wells, Calif.
And for the most part, the quartet of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka seemed to enjoy their brief stay in our rainy little college town. Each of them spoke to the energy of the crowd, the astonishing venue, and above all else, put on a pretty awe-inspiring performance.
I’m somewhat ashamed to admit this, but before Tuesday night I had never sat through an entire live tennis match. I’ve watched several hours from home, but not even in high school did I take in a full match in person.
So it would only seem fitting that my first live experience would come in the form of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, right? Only the top two players in the world — and arguably two of the greatest to ever play the game — could whet my appetite for tennis. Unfortunately, unless Phil Knight has a repeat performance up his sleeve, I have a feeling the quality won’t be matched for the rest of my tennis-watching career.
I can’t complain, however, as what I saw Tuesday night truly was remarkable. From the Nike ads flashing across the JumboTron, to the guest appearances by John McEnroe, Dennis Dixon and Joey Harrington, and yes, to the outstanding tennis itself.
Initially I wasn’t all that excited to cover the event, though. I knew if Nike had a hand in it (and Nike had much more than that) the potential for something spectacular would always be there. But it’s still dead week, and I, like most of you, still have deadlines, projects, essays and finals to hash out, and spending five hours at a charity event didn’t sound like a great use of my time.
But years from now, when I’m looking back on all the great things Oregon has brought to my doorstep, it won’t be the psychology midterm I spent all night cramming for that will be remembered. It’ll be the night I spent at Matthew Knight Arena, in its inaugural year on campus, when tennis icons Federer, Nadal, Sharapova and Azarenka graced Eugene for a fleeting moment, inspiring more than 12,000 people to strive for greatness.
With 30 grand slam titles among them, a combined career earnings far more than $100 million, and all of this before any of them reached the ripe age of 30, words almost don’t do it justice.
By all means, Tuesday night was an obligation for the four stars, but when Phil Knight calls, people answer. And though they could have just as easily gone through the motions and still left to a standing ovation, the foursome showed their true character in putting on a noticeably competitive performance.
Smiles were all around, no doubt, but the effort and skill was fully on display, and it didn’t disappoint. They’re the most talented players in one of the more challenging games to play, making the routine plays looks effortless and the difficult ones look routine.
And that’s what I sat at press row shaking my head over, captivated by the way they’ve honed their talents over the years. I have always been a true admirer of any elite athlete; maybe that’s why I find myself blindly defending LeBron James each night. But that’s another column for another time.
For just a short time Tuesday, I watched a group of athletes who otherwise only existed on television in our small corner of the world. They’ve risen to the top of the world competitively and financially, and inspired me, and many others, to do great things in our own walks of life.
Even now, two days later, I still shake my head with gratitude toward the power of Nike.
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