There is no shortage of words written about Roger Federer. Both across his illustrious career, and just this week in the lead up to his stunning five-set win against Stan Wawrinka, we’ve spoken about the man a lot.
Federer vs Nadal live scores, blog
In one way, this could be seen to be nothing out of the ordinary – athletes feature extensively in the news. Sport, especially in the Australian setting, commonly jumps off the back page and onto the front. We, as a nation, inhale professional sport much in the same way I inhale a burger come Friday night.
Get ready for Roger vs Rafa
» LORD: Whenever you’re ready, Rafa
» Tell us your tip
» Five talking points
» Preview and prediction
» Roger and Rafa, the rivalry
But, there is something different about the way Federer holds public consciousness. There is something different about the way we write about him.
There’s something about Roger.
These are the generally accepted facts: The guy entered the professional tour in 1988. He is 35 years old. He was the best male singles player in the world for a record 302 weeks straight. He has, at least until tonight, seventeen grand slam titles to his name. He is second in all-time career prize money earners. He is worth an estimated $320 million. He plays right-handed with a single-handed back hand. He is sponsored by Nike, Rolex and Mercedes Benz. He is generally considered to be the best tennis player of the ‘open era’.
He is arguably the greatest tennis player of all time.
The statistics that support his ascendancy to the top of the history books are endless. This is not the point.
For if you look at the above it just doesn’t describe what you will see, what you will feel, when you watch Roger Federer angle an impossible winner across the deuce baseline, fifteen shots deep in a rally.
That is why sports journalists are inextricably mystified by the man. It’s almost as if you look close enough between the small newspaper print you will see the words ‘No but you just don’t get it, he really is that good’.
Then, there are the things you see and feel.
The calm eyes, his incredible knack of looking in control, even when losing. This is not to be mistaken with being emotionless but rather a driven even state.
The footwork – he floats. In fact, to say he floats seems a little lazy. Isn’t there a better word to use here? Glide, slide, hover…
The intelligence, pre-emptive shot making. It is only after the winning baseline drive has been played, that the audience (and indeed opponent) can reflect on the decision Federer made to keep him at the net three shots earlier. Ah, it’s all so clear now.
He is the most aesthetic mix between old and new tennis. The athleticism and baseline power of the new era, and the grace and fluidity of the old. Is it possible that his resistance to rejecting his natural ability to play so lightly in favour of more power, the reason we still have such a superstar around to watch?
So we sit and wait with anticipation, to see Federer take on long-time rival and friend Rafael Nadal. Akash Kapur, writing for The New Yorker magazine said it perfectly when he referred to Nadal as “the boxer to Federer’s ballerina”. Federer would have to be the only man who never walked into a ballet class to be so constantly referenced as having feet just like Baryshnikov.
Both players have been plagued in recent years by fatigued knees and reoccurring injuries. What we are about to witness should not be taken for granted. Soon, we might be trying to find out what made him so good, from ESPN replays.
Roger, the pleasure has been entirely ours.
Whether it’s aces or races, try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp for great odds and a great punting experience. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Rafael Nadal has hailed the brilliance of Alex de Minaur, calling him "a great player" after the Australian forced the Spanish legend to say…
The clay season promises to be one of high level and tight margins. With the Monte Carlo open just around the corner, it will…
In incredible scenes, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz's quarter-final clash with Alexander Zverev at Indian Wells was halted abruptly due to a "bee invasion." Less…
Marathon man Jordan Thompson has finally clinched his first ATP Tour title, with the Australian upsetting Norwegian Casper Ruud to lift the trophy in…
Alex de Minaur has earned the perfect 25th birthday present, booking a place in the final of the Rotterdam Open with an emphatic revenge…
While watching the recent Australian Tennis Open I became obsessively fixated on the same thought. Why has no one done a television biopic or…
