Roger Federer - Elegance personified

August 8, 1981. A date that seems rather unimportant in terms of historic events as far as my search on the Internet tells me. But, for Robert and Lynette, who lived in Basel, Switzerland, this day was a life changing one. Their little son was born this day. Oh, how they must have pondered on what the child’s name would be! In the end they settled for ROGER. Along with his dad’s surname, the boy came to be known as Roger Federer. Little did his parents know that his name would one day become immortal.

Roger began playing tennis at the age of eight. Two years later, people began talking about his unique ability with the racket. He used to beat the other kids so badly that they would end up in tears. Conversely, Roger would also shed tears if he ever lost a match. Such was his determination at age 10. The competitive attitude that he showed sometimes began to scare people. They felt he was too fierce while playing tennis. At the age of 13, he went to train at a top-rated academy in Switzerland. By 16, he became the number one ranked junior player in the world. 1998 saw Roger Federer take part in the professional men’s circuit after he won the boys’ singles and doubles Wimbledon titles earlier that year. He won his first ATP in Milan in 2001.This was the year that he announced himself to the tennis world.

The stage – Wimbledon 2001

Round- Four

Opponent – The great Pete Sampras

Pete Sampras was gunning for his 5^th successive Wimbledon title. Before he could get anywhere near, he had to get past Roger Federer. 7-6, 5-7, 6-4, 6-7, 7-5. This is what the scoreline read at the end of the match. Roger beat Pete in 5 sets. A match that heralded the coming of one of the greatest tennis players the world would ever see. Of course Federer didn’t win Wimbledon that year but made up for the loss in the next round by winning this grand slam in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006,2007 and 2009. In all, he has won 16 Grand Slam titles, which is more than anyone has managed so far in the history of tennis. A lot has been written about his achievements. It has been debated whether he indeed is the best ever. Not a lot, on why he is the player that he is now.

Ever since he was 14 Roger Federer, practiced at least for six hours a day. To perfect his technique, he used to try and imitate his idols, Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg. In a time when coaches and support staff are must haves, Roger does not have a full time coach. He moves around the court like a graceful ballet dancer. The elegance with which his shots are played is matched only on canvas, by the strokes of artists.

Unlike his contemporaries, he is not built like a rock. Roger Federer uses his entire body to generate power in his strokes. The trademark swivel of his body while playing the forehand has won him many a point and many an admirer. He possesses an array of strokes and a foresight that allows him to get in position faster than his opponent expects him too. While watching the ball right onto the racket is nearly impossible, he watches the ball as close to the racket as possible. He has often been criticized for his weak backhand. But his nimble footwork and graceful approach to the net have helped him overcome this so called weakness.

Current tennis players seem to be more in the mould of baseline power-hitters. Federer, on the other hand, uses his deft touch; the drop-shot and the occasional serve and volley which seems to be a dying art to mesmerize his opponents and the audience. As he reaches the twilight of his career, he still manages to stay within the top three ranks. He is still the player to beat at any tournament. Though he may have lost the aura of invincibility, he cannot be taken lightly.

Roger, the man, seems to be a calm and collected individual. He speaks English, German and French. Though he dropped out of school by 16, he is a very erudite and smart individual. Unknown to many, he also enjoys watching and playing the occasional game of cricket. Elegance personified, both on and off court, RF has become the heartthrob of many across the globe.

Personally, even as I hope that he goes on to play forever, RF seems like he might call it a day pretty soon. Before he walks into the sunset, I wish to pay tribute with these lines.

Honour it is to watch you play

On any court, be it grass or clay

A champion at heart, a champion in deed

For long you’ve been the number one seed

Tennis without you will ne’er be the same

Forever we shall remember your name

-James Roy