For Roger, it's now or never

It’s not everyday that the Olympic glory beckons a sportsperson. Not for the greatest of sportsmen, not even for the legends. It’s one thing that the legends undermine the novelty of sporting glory by turning it into banality, but the Olympics is not just another sporting glory, it’s transcendental. Roger Federer is a legend and has won many a coveted title. Exquisite silverware adorn his drawing room, which seems to be complete, but for that elusive golden circle with paltry dimensions, relatively insignificant in size (notwithstanding the lesser known doubles medal). And now, when he is within sniffing distance of that ultimate glory, this is the song that rings in my ear – so close, no matter how far!

Federer was the flag-bearer for his country, leading the contingent of athletes. Evidently, he is the face of sports in Switzerland. When he held the national flag, he very well knew that he was carrying the hopes of his countrymen, and therefore should adequately oblige. With such great honor comes great responsibility, and I guess he knows it best. The zeal and motivation that the nationalistic sentiment will instill in him will only further his cause. In doing his country proud, he will also be winning the medal for himself. For when the bigger things are taken care of, the smaller things will themselves fall into place.

It’s not right on my part to say that Federer’s win is the ideal scenario, which we should all look forward to (yes, I’m a big fan!). I’m afraid it might appear to be all hokum and no substance. Therefore, I shall attempt to present the real picture and explore the chances of Federer winning the medal.

Roger Federer will be playing Andy Murray for the top Olympic honor, in what is touted to be a repeat of the recently concluded Wimbleon final. To set the record straight, Federer is the top seed and naturally the favorite. His unprecedented run of form has felled many a ‘flash in the pan’ greats recently. All the pre-Wimbledon shackles of inhibitions and anxieties of under-performance have vanished into thin air, and there is the same regal air around him, which he enjoyed in his primes.

At a time when his serve is serving him well, and his all-round brilliance on the court is more than making up for his unforced errors, he seems to be in the driver’s seat. If the epic semifinal battle is anything to go by, we know that the mighty fighting spirit and true grit is tucked well under his belt. Trust me, the epic battle was the longest in the history of three-setter open era tennis. The potent weapon of true grit that he has just acquired will complete his destructive weaponry. I can already sense Nadal’s discomfort and uneasiness!

Federer and Murray have previously met sixteen times, with both of them evenly sharing the honors with eight wins each. But the Swiss has won every one of their major encounters. Murray doesn’t have any grand slam title to his name. The Brit has reached the final many a times, but has choked at the big stage. Apparently, Murray is not a big match player and doesn’t have the killer instinct required for the same. On the other hand, Federer is very comfortable at the big stage, where he feels at home (considering the frequency of his visits to the big stage). Moreover, It’s a final ( where he in his punishing form, demolishes opponents) and the man on the other side of the net is not Nadal.

Andy Murray is no novice in the game of tennis. He is a prodigious young talent, who has shown remarkable consistency cementing his position in the ATP top five. That he has come to the final, defeating the brilliant Djokovic in straight sets, is truly commendable. His path to the gates of Olympic glory was definitely more thorn-ridden than that of Federer’s, and he has been convincing throughout.

The support of the home crowd that the Brit will enjoy will be overwhelming, for the Brits love their sportsmen dearly (apparently more than any other country does). At this stage, it won’t be gentlemanly of us to expect the same pristine arena of Wimbledon, whose ranks are filled with thorough gentlemen. The overwhelming crowd support and the deafening chants of ‘GB’ and ‘Murray’ by the raucous fans will definitely spur the Brit on, and unsettle the Swiss.

Whatever the outcome, I’m sure it’s a now or never situation for Federer. Come 2016, he will be on the wrong side of thirties, approaching retirement (or probably already retired). That his reflexes have slowed down and agility maimed, is evident from his game. Having read Nirmal Shekhar, I believe that his brain has been wired differently and the sinews in his body crafted to perfection. A perfect made for tennis material! But age will definitely take it’s toll. When the unforgiving time saps out his energy, his craftsmanship will be left alone to make futile endeavors.

It’s that point of time in Federer’s sporting life, when the maxim: ‘Life doesn’t give second chances’, sound totally apt. For all practical purposes this is his last ( how I wish him longevity!) and best shot at the ultimate sporting glory.

One ring (read medal) to do the country proud and in celebration bind the countrymen. One ring to complete it all. One ring to sublimity and in majesty lord over the game..