Good, better & The Best - Roger Federer

Library of paean and sobriquets will become small for Roger Federer. But, I managed to rummage through some special ones about the living legend.

”He’s the most gifted player that I’ve ever seen in my life. I’ve seen a lot of people play. I’ve seen the (Rod) Lavers, I played against some of the great players – the Sampras’s, Becker’s, Connors’, Borgs, and you name it. This guy could be the greatest of all time. That, to me, says it all.” – John McEnroe

"In an era of specialists, you're either a clay court specialist, a grass court specialist, or a hard court specialist...or you're Roger Federer." - Jimmy Connors

The turn of the last century saw a tennis legend being born. Christened Roger Federer, the Swiss diamond has created an unprecedented legacy in world tennis. He added another feather to this burgeoning list of records and trophies on 22nd Jan. 2016. He became the first man to win 300 grand slam matches during the course of Australian Open tennis.

My earliest memory of tennis was watching a bit of McEnroe antics, Ivan Lendl’s struggles of winning Wimbledon and the pyrotechnics of Boris Becker. Latter’s duels with Stefan Edberg, Ivan Lendl and Mats Wilander were of the highest class. Towards the start of 1990’s came Michael Stitch, Andre Agassi, Michael Chang, Pete Sampras, Jim Courier, Sergi Bruguera, Gustavo Kuerten, Thomas Muster etc. There were the one slam wonders like Richard Krajicek and Goran Ivanisevic’s too.

Concept of globalization took Open-era grand slam duels in 1990’s to nook and corner of the world with better broadcasting. Be it the “Boom boom Becker” diving around the court and the youngest winner of French open tennis, Michael Chang; my idol base was set. Duels between the best returner of serve Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras on hard courts and at Wimbledon were enriching. Wimbledon remained the sentimental favorite amongst all grand slams for millions including me.

7 times Wimbledon winner Pete Sampras with a stingy serve became unbeatable on faster courts except Roland Garros (The graveyard for many accomplished tennis players). Before Roger Federer took over Pete’s Wimbledon legacy came in some memorable matches. One of them was a classic at the height of zenith; Pete was beaten at his own game by the Dutchman, Richard Krajicek. Serve and volley tennis was at its best. Goran Ivanisevic duel with Andre Agassi was one of the best Wimbledon final ever seen. The contest between nerveless ace serving gladiator and master returner kept crowds engaged. 2001 finally fulfilled Goran’s wish of a Wimbledon title before sun set on his career.

My idol Roger breakthrough journey I believe started with a victory over Pete Sampras in a grueling 5-setter at Wimbledon. Since then Roger never looked back. Having watched so many tennis players over the years, Roger felt so unique, someone weaving a symphony on tennis courts. My loyalties shifted after seeing the champion produce masterclass one after the other. Tennis looked so easy and graceful on the eyes for mortals like me. On and off the court his musings and demeanor carved a niche with millions. 17 grand slams including 7 at Wimbledon have undoubtedly made him the greatest of all. He is closing in on 100 career title wins, with just 12 to go!

Gladiators Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have cut him out from grand-slams in last few years. Power players and age slowed my idol down, but the master has re-invented himself time and again to stay in the top bracket. Whilst the 2016 Australian Open is on, my and many others in the masters fan base expect a last hurrah:)

A salute for Roger-The Greatest tennis player by far for his accomplishments, mastery, demeanor and what not!