If you’re older than, let’s say 10, I’m sure you’ve said something you wished you could take back… You know, like a cartoon, you can literally see your words being retracted back into your mouth? Whether it gave the wrong impression, was completely inappropriate, hurt someone, or ended up taking on a life of it’s own, the likelihood of finding yourself (or your mouth in all actuality) in this situation is a very real one… but, hopefully not a frequent one.

Just imagine having a world platform and saying something that has now resounded through decades of interpretation, judgment, opinions, and believe it or not popular culture. The beginning of July celebrates (if that’s what we’re doing) the 30th anniversary of John’s McEnroe’s “You Cannot Be Serious” outburst during his 1981 Wimbledon title match (Obviously, this is a crack up for me because I’ve inadvertently adopted this saying with a shortened twist in ‘Seriously?’.).

Whatever your opinion, McEnroe goes down in history as one of the famed (and infamous) professional athletes of all time… And a soundbite mouth that takes a close second to his very own infamy.

If you haven’t heard, it’s this crazy game going on at Wimbledon. U.S. player, John Isner, and French opponent, Nicolas Mahut, are playing to the death, literally. At first (at least for me) it was like ‘wow’ these guys are both champions, but now… well, now, I’m just thinking its quite a bit.

I was watching PTI (Pardon the Interruption) yesterday, and Wilbon and I shared the same sentiments. The ups and downs of the game went from being amazing to boring to just enough. The game is in its third day and has become something of an epic battle… (That was someone else’s description, not mine. “Epic” is a bit much.). The match lasted 11 hours and 5 mins… Drained.

Oh, and wait, the American won! But everyone is so drained that the cheers are like sighs of relief. This is a crack up. I guess the pain, the bleeding toes, and delirium was worth it.

And wait (yet again)… Don’t ask me to stand in front of the score board to take pictures and I just got my socks rocked. People are hilarious. Back to soccer…

It was a big day for the American players, with five Americans making it through. Venus received mad kudos for being the “queen of the court”. She’s a 5-time winner, so this circle isn’t new to her, but it is always great to see the Williams sisters compete. Roddick is the best for the men’s match ups. His powerful forehand has gotten him to victory more than once in his lucrative career.

For me, the game is sooo exciting. I love the strategy and the overall competition. I can’t wait for Day 2, to see Venus’ sister, Serena (She’s a beast!… Uh, that’s a compliment). These girls are so passionate about the sport… What’s funny is that they’re practically at the end of their career, in their mid and late twenties (Isn’t that crazy?).

With so many sports that have Americans not showing and being competitors, I’m glad to see that Wimbledon has a good number of representatives.

Photos by Anna Bialkowska and Mister-E. (CC)

Serena beat her sister, the Wimbledon champion, in the 2008 U.S. Open, killing Venus’ pursuit of remaining competitive this go ‘round… How did Venus feel?

There are so many levels of sibling rivalry and for many, the outcome is devastating. Imagine being equally talented and successful as another sibling and having your life, both private and professional, played out on television. It isn’t openly discussed, but it’s openly relevant. Imagine it on any level.

As a sibling (and obviously knowing other siblings…) it’s worth noting that sisters and brothers deal with feelings differently and no matter how successful they are (or you may be), the question of how one may be feeling is always relevant… Be sure to check!

After much thought (and the strong wish that I’d only carried one bathing suit [just one!] in my carry on with me for this mystical lay over-[not telling a thing]), I came to the conclusion that I really don’t have just one favorite-although I thought of someone I respected…

That would be Swiss world #1 tennis great Roger Federer. I have to give him his propers (uh, yeah, it’s slang for respect) for being the most consistently dominant force in men’s tennis. Now, just in case you weren’t up on the sports’ news, Federer was just knocked off his throne by Spaniard, Rafael Nadal, in an epic battle for the Wimbledon history books…

You know, I know these things happen, but just like in any other sport, greats come and go, but the presence of who they were at the time will remain forever. So although the king of grass (not so much sovereignty on clay for obvious reasons-he lost) is in a lull, but I’m not ready to count him out.

Long live the king!… I’m going to enjoying the best unexpected lay over ever (still not telling)!

Favorite international player anyone?