Roger Federer
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To think of Roger Federer as anythinhttps://www.facebook.com/uniladmag/videos/2402678949755150/g but one of the all-time greats, if not the all time great, is rare these days. After a blockbuster performance at Wimbledon last year at the ‘advanced’ (for a tennis player, at least) age of 34, Roger Federer played two big five-set matches – in the quarter-finals and semifinals. After battling a match-point-holding Marin Cilic to progress to the semis, Federer fought valiantly against Canadian Milos Raonic – but by then fatigued, and already struggling with old, recurrent injuries, the Swiss legend bowed out at that stage.
It was following these two big matches at Wimbledon that the Swiss, who had rolled his ankle in the semis, announced he would be taking an extended six-month break from the sport to recuperate.
That decision had sparked worry among fans, who wondered aloud if Federer planned to announce an early retirement. But as early as October, Federer, who hda already got back to his fitness regime in the interim, was seen practicing on the courts of Switzerland, hitting with longtime friend and 2016 US Open winner Stan Wawrinka.
In November and December, Federer returned to his off-season practice base of Dubai, where he live-streamed hitting sessions with French ace Lucas Pouille and looked to be in top form.
He carried that form – and his enthusiasm – into early 2017, playing only the exhibition tennis Hopman Cup prior to the Australian Open. By then, he had already dropped to a ‘lowly’ – for Federer, at least, and came into the Australian Open on that ranking.
After decimating then No. 10 Tomas Berdych in straight sets, Federer tackled Kei Nishikori and won, finally setting up the dream final clash against his archrival Rafael Nadal.
And after 5 years without a Grand Slam, meeting Rafa for a 35th time, Roger Federer beat Rafael Nadal in the first Grand Slam since his comeback.
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