A tribute to Roger Federer

Jimmy Connors, the American Tennis Legend, had once said, “In an era of specialists, you’re either a clay court specialist, a grass court specialist, or a hard court specialist… or you’re Roger Federer.” Such is the stature of Roger Federer in World Tennis that everybody including sports analysts, tennis critics, former greats, contemporaries and fans consider him to be the greatest tennis player of all time. Recently in March 2012, he topped a list of the “100 greatest tennis players of all time” (male or female) by Tennis Channel, an American channel devoted to the game of tennis. But everything has not been rosy for the Master in recent times. He has lost against lesser ranked players, has failed to reach the last four of the Wimbledon in 2010 & 2011, has even managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory on several occasions. Yet when it comes to pulling power, he remains the number one attraction. So, what is it that sets him apart?

Roger Federer announced himself on the world stage at the 2001 Wimbledon as a 19-year-old when he defeated the then defending champion, Pete Sampras, in a thrilling five-setter 4^th round match, thus ending Sampras’ 31-match winning streak at the Wimbledon. However, it was only in the 2003 Wimbledon that he managed to win his maiden Grand Slam title. He finished the year 2003 as the World No. 2, narrowly behind Andy Roddick. The year 2004 saw him clinch three more Grand Slam titles and the No.1 ranking in the world, which he then occupied for 285 weeks, just one week short of the record 286 weeks held by Pete Sampras. In the period 2005-07, he won eight Grand Slam titles from ten finals. After being denied by Rafael Nadal, a true champion on clay, on several occasions at the Roland Garros, Federer finally completed a career Grand Slam by winning his first French Open Title in 2009. This was also his 14^th Grand Slam title: on par with Pete Sampras. He then surpassed Sampras by winning his 15^th Grand Slam title at the Wimbledon a month later. With a win at the Australian Open in 2010, Federer extended his Grand Slam singles record to 16 titles. Yes, a total of 16 Grand Slam titles and to add to it, a gold medal in the doubles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics; he has truly achieved everything possible in terms of statistics and numbers to be regarded as the best tennis player ever.

But Federer’s greatness cannot be judged or measured solely by his records and statistics. Yes, they do speak volumes of his longevity, versatility & brilliance but it is his uncanny ability of enriching lives through his exemplary display of skills, artistry and expertise that makes him truly special. He has consistently transcended expectations with humility and integrity and has inspired everyone around him to rise above their potential. On the tennis court, there is nothing he cannot do. The forehand & backhand slices, the topspin winners, the backhand flicks, the tweeners, the powerful serves and to add to it, excellent footwork and smooth floating movement across the court; his game almost seems too good to be true. To many, his game is best defined as poetry in motion.

Roger Federer may not have won a Grand Slam title for almost 30 months now and is no longer the No.1 ranked player in the world. But when he is on-song like he was in his quarter-finals match against Mikhail Youzhny two days ago, there are few better spectacles in the world of sport. In recent times, it has become a painful ritual to see Federer struggle against lesser mortals and hence it was more satisfying and refreshing to see him gracefully destroy his opponent. This victory has ensured a mouth-watering contest between Federer and the current World No.1, Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals. They are playing each other for the first time at the Wimbledon and the match would be tightly contested. Federer seeks to match the record of seven Wimbledon titles set by William Renshaw in the 1880s and tied by Pete Sampras in 2000. If he wins the title, he will also reclaim the top ranking from Djokovic and tie Sampras’ record for most weeks at the top. Whether he does it or not, he will remain the greatest ever to have graced the game.

Take a Bow, Master!