A tribute to Roger Federer

Preamble:

In the following post I will gush about how great Roger Federer is, in the most unashamedly manner. Yes I admit it I have a serious case of man crush.


I became aware of Roger Federer back in 2005 when my then housemate was watching the Wimbledon final. Toward the end of 2005 I moved to London and at some point someone, I think it was my cousin B. who said that I look a bit like Federer. At about that point I started watching tennis and soon I became a huge fan of the Swiss.

In the last three or four years there has been an intense debate regarding who is the best tennis players of all times. The way Federer was able to dominate the world of tennis between 2004-2007, surely made a good case. By 2007 Federer had won five consecutive Wimbledon titles, equaling the record of Björn Borg, he had won the Australian Open three times and had been unstoppable at the US Open.





The one trophy that eluded him was the French Open, Roland Garros, the only Grand Slam that takes place on clay. As a BBC documentary on the great Swiss commented, every champion has his nemesis, and the great rival of Federer was no other but Rafael Nadal. Nadal, an immensely talented man from Majorca, was able to stop Federer from claiming the Roland Garros for four successive years. On top of this the Spaniard in an indisputably epic game managed to wrest the Wimbledon crown from the grasp of King Roger in 2008. After that game Federer lost his no. 1 spot in the rankings and speculation started to mount whenever he was toward the end of his career.

2009 began with a fresh defeat for Federer, when at the final of the Australian Open, Nadal once more defeated him in yet another five-set final, where in the last set the Swiss appeared psychologically broken and subdued. This gave plenty of scope to the doubters to come forward and say that Federer was past his prime and that Nadal was now the top man in tennis.




However the doubters have underestimated his determination to overcome all opposition. At the end of the Roland Garros final of 2008 Federer promised to the crowd that he will be back to try and win it for 2009. After the serious beating he got from Nadal, 3-0 in sets and barely able to win the odd game here or there, many people including me, were sceptical about this statement. Yet Federer came back and yesterday was able to finally win the Roland Garros and complete the career Grand Slam, and equal Pete Sampras record of 14 Grand Slam wins. I know the doubters will say that Federer did not win against Nadal, as the Spaniard was sent crashing out in the fourth round by Soderling. It is a weak argument because it is not Federer's fault that Nadal was not on top form and did not manage to go all the way to the final. Surely consistency is an indistinguishable element of greatness and by this measure Federer is the best. The records speak for themseleves, 20 consecutive Grand Slam semi-finals, 14 Grand Slams victories and probably more to come.


Moreover, Federer brings a grace, a majestic poise to the game that can only be admired. A wise man once said excellence has no master, it serves no purpose but itself, and in this field Federer is truly peerless. Granted he has a weak spot vis-a-vis Nadal, but great champions are also defined by the strength of the opposition and I am sure he is looking forward for more fights with the Spaniard in the same way I am anticipating such a thrilling prospect. Watching him play is visual poetry in motion that generates brief but pure moments of genius and grace. In addition he has a genuine humility about himself and a noble thirst, that draws from his deep love and knowledge of the game to win. He wants to win as many titles as possible out of love and desire to match and if possible to surpass the past greats that have inspired him to pick up the racket and enrich the world of tennis so generously.

I guess the debate will go on, even though many people more knowledgeable than me have already proclaimed Federer the best tennis player ever. Even Rafael Nadal has said in the past that Federer is the best. Thus in my mind there is no doubt that when we consider this unique man, where passion, love, skill, determination, hard work and humility blend so harmoniously it is safe to say: Roger Federer we salute you, you are truly the best tennis player of all times.