Torito's Protest

Mornin', Tribe. I just wanted to jump on real quick to say I'm up and running; as i type this, I've got Nadal vs.Soderling on the screen to my left, and Williams vs. Morigami on the monitor to my right, and I'm so torn that I think I'll just sit here and keep an eye on both as I crank out a quick post.

Nadal had an interesting experience on Saturday. Amelie Mauresmo preceded him on Centre Court, and played a 57 minute match. As Nadal and Soderling took the court for the knock-up shortly thereafter, the skies were beginning to leak. As the men warmed up, Nadal kept testing the footwork. He squinted at  the skies, blinking against the drizzle. He shot hot glances at American Chair Umpire Steve Ullrich. At one point, Nadal - Torito that he is - pawed the earth  (although there was no report of fire issuing from his nostrils; it was after all, raining). He demonstrated how slick it was on court, and remarked that it was "dangerous."

"Three minutes," said the impassive Ullrich, persevering despite the fact that the rain was slowly soaking his twee, barroom pianist's costume.

"I got to hit serves," Nadal said.

Nadal walked back out; the rain picked up a bit. There was still no word. Once again, Torito pawed the earth and protested. He returned to his chair. Meanwhile, Soderling, who had also been looking on, also weighed-in, apparently reluctant to play as well.

"They wouldn't play on any courts when it's so dangerous like this," Nadal said, using his English.

Ullrich, said something like: I haven't received any instructions about stopping play. I can't do anything.

Jet Boy sat, wondering where to take it from there, but just then the tournament referee, Andrew Jarrett (forgive my earlier error!), came ambling out of the tunnel, already waving his arms. The match was officially called off.

The interesting thing about all this is that Wimbledon's refund policy calls for a full refund on Centre Court for a day when less than one hour of tennis is played. So, if the All-England Club had managed to keep the two men out for three official match minutes, they would not have been obliged to offer refunds. The total cost to the club for the 57-minute day: an estimated $2 million.

I thought you might appreciate this story right for, for at this very moment, the Nadal-Soderling has just been called for rain with Nadal up a set and a break at  4-3.

Hat tip to my Spanish buddy and desk neighbor Alejandro Delmas of Diario As, for providing the backstory. I couldn't find a better image of the Toro. . .

Back soon. . .