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| Roger Federer the legend (Internet photo) |
The fixture was the more relished by many tennis lovers
partly because it featured protagonists whose rivalry has defined and enriched
the game of tennis arguably like no other. Although Federer has won more Gland
Slam titles than no other, he was in the Sunday showndown peculiarly the underdog,
and this is why.
First, he had not played competitively for six months
because of injury. Second, he had endured five years of Grand Slam title
drought. Third, he had beaten Nadal only twice in 11 Grand Slam contests.
Fourth, he had not beaten Nadal in 10 years! Most of all he is 35 years.
Nothing slows down sportsmen like age. They are prisoners of the ticking clock.
Their bodies begin to break down by 30. In fact, Federer's five-year Grand Slam
title drought could be attributed to advanced age with his aging body failing
to execute meticulously what his brilliant Tennis mind commands it to. Yet on
Sunday he showed in style that a winner will always be a winner.
I believe Federer has experienced moments when he might,
fleetingly or seriously, considered throwing in the towel, but somehow he has
fought on. Frankly, I was afraid for him because Nadal is such a fierce fighter
who torments opponents with relentless spin and brute force as sweat drips down
his face while anguished grunts accompany his every shot. In the end Federer's
class proved too much for Nadal.
There is a great likelihood that these Tennis geniuses shall
not meet again in a Grand Slam final. But no matter what we shall always
remember them for showing us how to truly compete; how to always give your
best. I'll particularly always remember the fairytale tennis Roger Federer
treated us to not because of his talent alone, but because of his fortitude and
resilience.
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