Apologies, readers for posting a new blog after what seems like eons! Hope you enjoy reading from the perspective of a die-hard fan of an amazing tennis star!
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“What a Sunday!”, exclaimed everybody on 29th January 2017, when India won the second match in the 3-match T-20 against England during their Indian tour. Captained by Virat Kohli, the man who has records piling up in front of him; and who is at the very pinnacle of his career, the Indian team won by a ridiculously close margin. Cricket lovers around the nation who were elated that the ‘jinx’ of England winning every tournament against India in the past few years; had finally been broken, watched with bated breaths, not knowing which team would emerge victorious on the last ball.
Nevertheless, this wasn’t all the excitement for tennis fans as a legend broke his own record yet again. None other than the ever-grounded ROGER FEDERER!
This is a gentleman whom I’ve always looked up to ever since watching tennis became one of my favourite past-times. Even if you do not watch tennis, I’d be surprised to hear you say that you’ve never heard his name. A star in tennis, as Sachin Tendulkar is in cricket; Federer has surpassed and shattered all records with ease and grace. A coincidence, but Sachin and Federer, are in fact very close friends!
Federer’s coaches knew that he was destined for greatness when he started winning consecutive ITF Junior Titles in his early career; also obtaining the prestigious title for Orange Bowl winner in 1998 and was at Junior ranking No. 1 when he finally started playing professional mains’ tennis.
Sporting a ponytail in his initial years, Roger entered and exited the court with dignity and head held high; and has always been revered for his terrific sportsman spirit. When he won his match against Pete Sampras, the legend of the ‘90s like Federer is now; his fans were aggravated at the thought of this new face defeating one of the best players of all time. A fan in his 60s said after Federer won his 15th title, breaking Sampras’s record, “I’m a huge Pete fan but there’s just something unique about Federer’s charm that is irresistible.”
His major breakthrough came with the acquisition of his first Grand Slam Title, during the Wimbledon Tournament of 2003, making him the first Swiss player to do so. The years after that, he reached the very peak of his career and stayed there for almost a decade, dominating most matches and intimidating his opponents, not with his physique or his words, but with effortless and beautiful shots. His style is that special one, which just leaves me smiling every time he arches his back, lifts off the ground and smashes an ace down the net, leaving the opponent wonderstruck.
Known as ‘Wimbledon Master’, he excels on the grass court which is the most difficult surface to play on. Roger’s serve-and-volley technique is spellbinding, leaving the audience to clap with gusto.
I started watching tennis in early 2014 and although I’d never seen the maestro win a single Grand Slam title, I was all for his eternal poise. From what I’ve seen and what people have to say about him, he always has his feet firmly on the ground despite vast repositories of fame and success. Dispelling flattery with an embarrassed smile, he never flaunts his unique talent. The 2015 Wimbledon final was one that set my teeth on edge. Djokovic was shooting across the court forcing the ball onto Federer, Novak being one of the finest players of this generation. Federer was a set down and had to win 4 consecutive games to catch up to Novak. Although butterflies must have been fluttering in his stomach out of sheer nervousness, not even for a moment did he show it and maintained a poker face. The end was heartbreaking for me with Novak winning by just 2 games. Despite not winning, Roger displayed once more; the art of remaining calm and not getting frazzled. That is just one of the innumerable qualities due to which I feel invariably drawn to his game. If I happen to see his match in progress on T.V. while flipping channels, I never fail to root for him!
Rafael Nadal, the Spanish champion, The King of Clay is one of the few players who has come close to matching Federer’s game. Their rivalry on court has been simmering and boiling for years on end and it is a mesmerizing clash of opposites; the baseline expert matching the skill of the serve-and-volley legend. Nadal, despite suffering from recuperative knee injuries is a popular and excellent sportsperson; having won only 1 Wimbledon title which is Federer’s area of expertise and he, on the other hand having attained only 1 French title, the clay court over which Nadal reigns supreme. However, they are the best of buddies!
Due to a knee and a subsequent back injury, Federer missed the second half of 2016’s tennis season and despite the many desperate pleas of fans to return to the court, took a 6-month layoff, helping to rejuvenate his gradually aging body. He returned to the 2017 Australian Open with a bang, clearing all 6 rounds with his elegance and style. At the age of 35, after returning from a grave injury, the last injury being in 1999, it was miraculous to see him reach the finals! Against none other than old foe, Mr. Nadal.
On the final date, I was eagerly scouring the net for updates when Deccan Herald declared, “Roger Federer beat Rafael Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 in Men’s’ Singles Final to obtain 18th Grand Slam title.” I couldn’t believe it! Although I’d desperately hoped that he win, everybody knew that the situation wasn’t exactly suited to his needs since his last Gland Slam had been in 2012. Whooping with joy, I savoured each moment of the highlights, grinning from ear to ear when he leaped with joy after the final ball; an act completely uncharacteristic of his usually calm demeanour. Nadal was cheerful during the presentation ceremony, flattering Federer, speaking in the Spanish accent that his fans adore. Federer too was gracious and said, “There are no draws in tennis, but if there were, then I’d have been happy to share and even have lost to Rafa.” The joy on his face upon receiving the shimmering trophy from Rod Laver, his role model and Australian tennis icon was ineffable.
Father of 2 pairs of twins, an affable person and admired tennis legend, he is often regarded by many as the greatest tennis player to ever live, having been praised by Rod Laver, Boris Becker, Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi, living stars of the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. He was ranked No. 1 for 302 weeks, longest streak being 237 weeks, seconded by Pete Sampras, not even coming close with 102 weeks!
This blog is in fond reminder of his achievements and accomplishments; and a tribute to his sportsmanship, charm, courage and humility.
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