"Roger is the most beautiful man to watch play tennis.The most beautiful I have ever seen play.His moment combined with artistry,his racquet,the look,he has got everything going."-John McEnroe.
I remember during my school days, I didn't have the habit of reading newspapers and my father would frequently spoon feed me with current affairs and day to day happenings around the world.As a result a thing which got etched in my mind due to its recurrence was ROGER FEDERER winning a Grandslam.Yes the use of caps does justice to the great man.But back then I never quite understood the importance of a Grandslam nor the stature of Federer , a thing I badly regret today.But now I have moved on .Today I hold the same passion and love for tennis as I do for cricket.Cricket because its India and tennis because its Roger Federer.
The style and sheer genius which Roger brings in the court leaves me awe struck.The game has seen many greats but the beauty Federer has brought still remains highly unmatched.You ask for records and Federer floods you with 4 Australian Open,1 French Open,7 Wimbledon,5 US Open,302 weeks at rank 1 and what not.The effortlessness he showcases is a total contrast to other players muscling their way and running all over the court.The magic and brilliance he unleashes with his single hand backhand,cross court shots,between the leg return shots are a treat to watch. Be it the hairband,his apparel or his shots,he brings an adorable combo of both sexiness and perfection like no other player.His exuberant hits, court movements complemented with his swaying hair seems to be tailor made for slow motion admiration.
Many consider Federer is well past his prime.True but as usual,success gives scope to unwanted critics.Same is with Roger's case.Like Sachin scoring anything less than a century is perceived as a failure same is with Federer unable to win a Grandslam. Expectations sore so high that even a semifinal exit leads to talks of his fading career.It was heart breaking to see his second round exit this Wimbledon(tough to remember the player's name who defeated him).Funny part is that his defeats are taken his loss rather than his opponent's victory.Nevertheless Federer,a true sportsman pays full regard to his nemesis and vows to fight back.There is always a majestic touch in both his victories and defeats.His personality off field, his charity work, classic ads makes him not only the face of tennis but also of many people all over the world.
But surely he can't go on forever.Every good thing comes to an end but I pray that Roger goes out on a high.He deserves so.But said so I can't imagine tennis without Federer.Its Roger Federer for tennis and tennis for Roger Federer.His retirement will sadly mark the end of tennis for me.
A true Federer Fan,
-PRASENJIT CHAUDHURI
