Roger Federer - Salute to a setting sun

Roger Federer

This year 2013 has witnessed some greats of sport announcing their retirement.With the likes of David Beckham,Sir Alex,Sachin Tendulkar having retired from their respective sport,I wouldn’t be amused to see the greatest tennis player of all time add to that list-Roger Federer.

Federer now 32 is in the twilight of his career has gone through a steady decline throughout 2013. This is the first time since 2002 he has not made it to a Grand Slam final and his ranking has dropped to no.6. Only two wins against a top 5 ranked ATP player in 2013 tells us that the legend is far away from his Midas touch.Defeats to some fringe players,early exit at Wimbledon and a 3-set fourth round loss to Robredo made him part ways with his coach Paul Annacone (who has also coached Sampras and Henman). Certainly his age is having a toll on him.

The 17 time Grand Slam champion has lacked the ferocity in his game.His legs have looked weary on field and his movements on field not swift .His ace in the hat the one-handed backhand and his lethal serve have not worked out well. Clearly Federer has found it hard to withstand the competition and enthusiasm and energy of young bloods like Nieshikori, Tsonga etc.on the ATP tour.The swiss tennis maestro has given the fans a lot to admire over the years but its time now to keep our expectations low .There is a reasonable doubt that whether that magical number 17 would increase.Going by the current state of affairs for federer I would say all good things have to come to an end.