Take a bow, Master

Sports can be pretty damaging at times. Defeats can pummel you to the deep end from where you lose hope, faith and belief of a recovery. Champions are the ones who overcome all these self-doubts at different phases in their careers and from my perspective and many others' - Roger Federer is truly one.

 

The last time (before today) Roger Federer won a Grand Slam was way back in January 2010. That is 9 unsuccessful attempts after that, which isn't too bad for anyone else - but terrible for Roger Federer. Between then and today, Roger Federer had watched Nadal and Djokovic play the title match on 5 different occasions, he himself had lost a French Open final against Rafa. When Djokovic truly realized his potential and started stringing a stunning winning sequence, Rafael Nadal being always there, another Grand Slam triumph for Roger looked extremely distant - even for the most ardent fans of his.

The Serb and the Spaniard being incredibly good as they were, it was ironical that Roger Federer - yes you  heard it right - Roger Federer was pushed to Number three in  the World. Not one day goes without the pundits wondering how on earth is Roger Number Three in the World? - But numbers do not lie.  When there are two players at the top of their prowess and consistently playing better than you are, you slip down naturally.


The World Record for the number of weeks spend at the top spot in the World was held by Pete Sampras for a whopping 286 weeks. When Federer allowed the others to go past him in the World Rankings, his numbers stood at an agonizing 285 weeks, just one week shy of Pete's. Just like many others, I presumed it to be a classical case of "So Near yet, So Far".

One man, the most important one, never stopped believing though. He knew exactly what he had to do to annex the World Number 1 ranking once again. Win Wimbledon and if it requires the Red-Hot Serb to be defeated, so be it. He did exactly that and returned to where he truly belongs. He may be turning 31 shortly, but not for a moment does he looks like being outrun by his much younger opponents. His classy style of play and the purest of techniques he possesses, have allowed him to take immense care of his body - True credit to him. The way he has re-established his dynasty which looked all set to crumble till recently, I could only compare it with Brian Lara's 400*, where quiet incredibly, the Prince reclaimed the record he set 10 years before. Between those years, there were a few Mathew Haydens, Virender Sehwags and Jayasuriyas. But Lara did remind everyone what class is all about.

Back to Tennis - It is extremely difficult for anyone to hate Roger Federer, I don't know how I have been able to. The only reason I can quote for my bias against the Swiss is his fans - not all, the ones who are less knowledgeable and the ones who aren't but still act as one. Anyhow, Thanks Roger for showing the World that grace and success can indeed go well together, thanks for reiterating the fact that beyond the talent, sport requires an abundant amount of hunger and drive, important of all, thanks for letting everyone known that Age is merely a Number. 

I would continue to be Rafa-Crazy, no doubt about it. I was left wondering, how nice it would have been if Rafa was playing today instead of Andy. But the cruel part of the game is, it doesn't give you the second chance on a few occasions. Now the benchmark has been increased to 17 and that can only mean Rafa will be more determined and focused. Bring on the US Open - while doing that, bring on the small matter called "The Olympics".