The writing was on the wall, the inevitable was catching up, a tired body had borne the brunt of a long, strenuous career spanning more than two decades. A relentless journey on a punishing tour, was making a telling impact. The time had come to bit adieu. Roger Federer at 41, the player loved by millions of Tennis fans and Sport lovers across the world eventually retired from Tennis post his appearance at the just concluded Laver Cup in the august company of his fierce competitors Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic , in an emotional and tearful farewell.
Vijay Amritraj’s Prediction
Born in Basel, Switzerland in August 1981, to a Swiss-German father and a South African mother, Roger Federer already had his feet on the tennis court from his childhood and served as a ball boy at the Swiss Indoor Championships in Basel in ‘92 and ‘93. My earliest memories of Roger Federer date back to 2003, the Wimbledon Final against the very talented and big serving Australian Mark Philippoussis. Roger Federer won the Final with a fair amount of ease. Vijay Amritraj the Indian Tennis Legend, who was commentating in the match predicted that it was the beginning of several such titles for Roger Federer. How true he was. Federer went on to dominate Men’s Tennis for most part of the decade post 2003.
Unparalleled Popularity
As the years progressed, Roger Federer enjoyed such unbelievable popularity both on and off the courts, stretching across continents, communities, age, colour and creed, that the same was and would be virtually impossible to emulate by any other Tennis Player of this generation. The question most certainly arises as to what makes Roger Federer so special. I have been following tennis since my school days and I have to admit I have not seen a more effortless player than Roger Federer.
The Sublime Federer
Gifted with a great serve, probably amongst the best ever, Roger Federer, played a tremendous serve and volley game. His movements on the net were smooth, displaying superb hand eye coordination. His volleys were exclusive and a hallmark of his silken touch. In baseline duels too his forehand was feared and could generate enormous power. He could play both the top spin backhand and the slice with equal ease and effectiveness. The way he used the court and the angles he generated by a snap of his supple wrists were just sublime. All this progressed in a rhythmic eye catching motion without Federer breaking a sweat. I haven’t seen anyone play like this and though Tennis has evolved into a baseline slugfest with strokes as brutal as they can get, Roger Federer’s poetry in motion still remained unassailable for the very best in business.
My Most Memorable Match
My post on Roger Federer would be incomplete without a mention of this epic match which is one of my personal favourite purely for the quality of tennis and the resolve which both players showcased in an unforgettable contest on Wimbledon’s Centre Court in 2009. Roger Federer played Andy Roddick in the Final. The match was unbelievably even right through. Both Federer and Roddick jostled and fought like two brave gladiators with Roddick pushing the match into the 5 th set. The serving in that set was of the highest order ever seen at Wimbledon. No player was prepared to give an inch. Roddick played his heart out but the great Roger Federer prevailed 16-14 in the Final set to win his 15 th Grand Slam, breaking Pete Sampras’ record.
In a League of His Own
Roger Federer won a record 103 ATP ( All Tennis Professionals ) Titles ( the second most of all time ) including 20 Grand Slam Titles. Was ranked World No.1 for 310 weeks including 237 weeks consecutively. He dominated Tennis and not just surfaces on which the game was played. Federer’s arch rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic may still end up with more Grand Slam titles than him, however, taking nothing away from them, the fact is they would never be able to echo or match Federer’s skill, charisma and sublime touch which were so naturally implicit in his play.
The Roger Federer Era is over. My Greatest Player Of All Time ( GOAT ) has eventually walked into the sunset…..a true legend…..a great sportsman.
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