Roger Federer – The Man, The Legend
In the current world of tennis, Roger Federer is probably the only man who plays a beautiful, technique filled game. Other players utilize power and flawed techniques, which make the game easier for them.
Consider for example, the graceful Federer backhand. He is one of the very few players who play the classic backhand. Nadal, Djokovic and the rest seem like they are more of cricketers than tennis players when their backhand is put on display.
In a world of perfect tennis, where technique and skill are the only means of play pace and not power, Federer and his abilities would be without an equal, beyond the reach of the rest of the pack.
What we witnessed in the French Open final was a Federer who was not quite near his best. He showed glimpses of his zenith in the first set, till the point he was ahead 5-3. Then, unexpectedly and suddenly, he started to falter. His placement, top notch until then, deserted him. He let slip and the tables were turned brilliantly by Nadal.
Nadal wrapped up the first set and had the second just beyond reach. Play was halted due to a downpour and the momentum broke even again. Once more, Federer displayed his ominous capabilities. He broke Nadal and won his serve. He somehow managed to lose it all again, giving up the set.
At the brink of defeat, he snapped awake and won the set. He could manage only a few spurts of magnificence and they obviously weren’t enough to win the match. Critics were sceptical of his current form, wondering if he would even make it to the semi-final. As before, he proved them wrong again.
Agreed, the better man won the French Open. Agreed, Nadal is the champion of clay (which incidentally, requires players to spin the ball, again a deviation from true tennis). Just bear in mind that Federer was not at his best. Hopefully, he will be by the time the Wimbledon starts. It would be symbolic and rightful if the greatest tennis player ever wins the 125th Wimbledon, which is without a speck of doubt, his bastion.
Tags: Final, French Open, Legend, Roger Federer, Tennis, Tennis World
