Age is just a number is a catchy phrase. But Roger Federer
proved it again. Nearing 38 many would retire from demanding professional
tennis and go for less physically demanding job like coaching or commentary.
Roger has other plans and defies all trend by trying to become oldest ever to
win a Grandslam title. He did not succeed, unfortunately, but in the process
produced marvellous tennis any player would dream of in the final against world
number 1 Novak.
Tennis as a sport is cruel at times. In a 5 setter where
players have shared 2 sets each and standing at 12-12 games in decider, why
should there be one winner and one loser? Instead they can declare both as
joint winners. But the irony is one of the two gentlemen who produced such
exceptional tennis had to lose, what a pity!
Roger’s journey to final did not come by chance. Unlike
earlier years when he reached finals without dropping a set, this time he faced
young generation players and the long time rivals during the course who did grind him enough. He has to face long time rivals Nadal and Novak in semis and
finals, who are presently ranked 1 and 2 ahead of Roger.
What pains Roger fans more is that he had his chances. He won
2 sets convincingly and all the sets he lost ended in tie-breakers, which tells
how close he was to win. He also had two championship points in his serve at
disposal but credit to Novak who snatched victory from that position.
To those who were waiting to watch Roger extend his
Grandslam tally to 21 and Wimbledon count to 9, Sunday night has ended in
disappointment. He might have lost the match, but won many hearts. As Roger
himself put it “I hope I give other people the chance to believe that at 37
it’s not over yet”. No Roger, its not over yet, we await you at US open, then
at Australian , then at Roland Garros and then at Wimbledon. Year after year
until you decide to move on. Hail Roger, The Greatest Tennis Player of All
Time!
