By Carlos Micames
Humble. Graceful. Class. Legend. All these are words used to describe the great Roger Federer. For hardcore fans or even anybody who watches the sport, watching the maestro play is a thrilling, nail-biting experience. His longevity and capacity to adapt through different eras has captivated the hearts of players all around the globe and has allowed him to become the most popular player currently and, arguably, the greatest male player of all time. As a child, watching King Federer play and dance around the court with his ballet-like footwork was dazzling to the eye. Every time he walked onto the court, there was little doubt of the result as he swept past his opponents. His dominance on the world stage was an unbelievable sight and the perfection of his all-around game seemed unreal. Every tennis fan remembers the Federer era, when there was no player that could outmatch him at the Grand Slams, when a loss made headlines around the globe. The effortlessness of his game and the ease with which he dispatched his opposition transformed him into the envy of all tennis players.
Suddenly, the unreal happened. The years began taking their toll and Federerâs rivals, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, began to consistently win their epic battles, prompting dismay and doubt into the mind of the great champion and his fans. Many wondered if he would ever win another Grand Slam. However, Federer showed the perseverance and grit of champions to continue his legacy. He trained rigorously and adapted his game to his aging body and continued his ascent to the pinnacle of professional tennis. Being the most popular tennis player in the world, Roger Federer had millions of fans hoping for another Grand Slam title before his retirement. At 35 years of age, it was difficult to see how his body could continue challenging for these titles against such physical opposition. After seven months off due to a knee injury, the Swiss maestro did the impossible and won his 18th Grand Slam title in Australia against his long time rival, Rafael Nadal.
The moment that final forehand flew past Nadal at Championship point, I let out a scream of joy I believed would never be expressed again. Finished. Washed up. Old. Everyone thought he had nothing left to play for and that there was no way he could be able to compete physically at his age, Federer taught us that age is just a number. Limitations are mental. No dream is too distant. Hard work and perseverance paid off in the end for King Roger Federer as he lifted his 18th Grand Slam title with tears of emotion streaming down his cheeks. When millions of people had given up on him winning again, Federer continued to believe in himself and it eventually paid off.
Federer inspired my own tennis career!
More than an athlete, Roger Federer is an inspiration to children and young adults. Branded as âwashed upâ countless times, he strived harder each time to improve and continue winning. Not for his doubters. Not for his fans. For himself, his family and for the passion and love this humble, exemplary gentleman has for the sport. Defying age, improving opposition and countless limitations, Federer has taught me that the strength of oneâs will, if powerful enough, can accomplish anything. Roger Federer has taught me how to dream.