Crazy Day

Well, all in all, it has been a pretty crazy day. Sports and otherwise.

Let's start with the otherwise. Usually, the city of Toronto, my current resident city, is pretty calm in terms of seismic activity. However, a noticeable earthquake rumbled through the city this afternoon at around 1:45. I was walking downtown, buying lunch after playing a couple hours of beach volleyball, so I didn't feel it at all. But afterwards, we got a couple calls from our friends and my dad saying they felt swaying. It turned out to be a 5.0 magnitude trembler, centred about 50 km north of Ottawa. Nothing major, but a jolting experience perhaps for most.

In politics, big tremors were also registered around the world. President Obama fired his Afghanistan commander for inappropriate comments and Australia got its first female Prime Minister in Julia Gillard.

To sports. Stephen Strasburg collected 9 more strikeouts to up his career total to 41, another record for the most K's in a pitcher's first 4 outings. England qualified for the Round of 16 at the World Cup, but perhaps still not performing as well as they'd like or should be. USA qualified along with them, as did the sole African nation remaining in Ghana.

I saved the craziest feat of all for last. Today at Wimbledon, John Isner and Nicolas Mahut faced off in what will go down as the most epic tennis match of all time. On Tuesday night, after 4 gruelling sets, the score was tied 2-2, with the line of 4-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-7. They had to suspend play because of darkness. More than 24 hours later, the match was still going. Play had to be suspended again at 9:12 PM, with the fifth set tied at 59-59. The crowd gave the two warriors an amazing standing ovation as they departed from Court 18.

The fifth set it self has already taken 7 hours and 3 minutes, longer than the previous record length for any professional tennis match. The most amazing thing is that the two will be back on the court tomorrow at 3:30 British Daylight Time to continue their match. I will definitely be tuning in to see this game, though I have a feeling that it won't last as long as some people wish it will.

By the way, John Isner has served up 98 aces, with Mahut not far behind at 95. Incredible service games and that's why it has gotten to this point.

Her Majesty is attending Wimbledon tomorrow as well. Bet she'll make her way to Court 18 sometime during the day.

-D