A tribute to Roger Federer

cham·pi·on Pronunciation: /?t?amp??n/

n.

1. One that wins first place or first prize in a competition.2. One that is clearly superior or has the attributes of a winner: a champion at teaching.3. An ardent defender or supporter of a cause or another person: a champion of the homeless.4. One who fights; a warrior

Every man is entitled to a free word, especially in a large opinionated country like ours. While I am overrun with emotions on this memorable day in history, 20 days past the 4th Monday of June (Hint: think sport), I am elated with a want to proclaim one of my heroes as a true champion. Not the kind in the movies but the one who ticks all the boxes of greatness. Leaving no stone unturned in chalking up his name for eternity.

There are a few alternate definitions to this often overused word. I believe those who are truly deserving of this tag need to have fulfilled all of the above facets.

Firstly a champion needs to be a winner. This might seem obvious, but it probably isn’t because deep within a great player will always be judged as an under-performer by the fact that he hasn’t been able to convert performances to ultimate winning glory. Critics who support the consensus of Sachin Tendulkar being the greatest player on the planet never let him forget that he had not won the World Cup before 2011 or for that matter Leonardo di Caprio for being such an amazing actor, but not having an Oscar in his trophy cabinet. Phil Mickelson could have shot a hole in one a hundred times and no one would care, not until he showed he could win at the big league. Now I humbly ask you to tap the friendly neighbourhood stats man and present to him my nomination. Roger Federer.

Secondly, a champion is someone who is clearly superior in the eyes of the majority. Every now and then, we have stories of great players proclaimed by media agencies in a particular nation, often quoting that they’ve laid their eyes on the best ever their country has ever produced. You just have to mention Tamim Iqbal in Bangladesh and you will know what I am talking about. There have been also many instances of short-lived success stories that become popular for reasons unknown, usually due to a lack of diligence by frivolously comparing performances of current players to past great players. It is never fair to compare players across generations and assume one is better than the other; even if there have been instances of overlap. I will not get into a pointless discussion if you bring up a Pete Sampras or a Rod Laver into this discussion. They are not mobile phones or cars that can be compared for technical specifications, engine horsepower, etc. Pete will always remain dear to me since he drew me to tennis, to Wimbledon and to develop a love for the sport. To understand whether he was a true champion would require a similar analysis, and in all likelihood he would come out a cut above the rest. You can only talk about the here and now and what’s clear for everyone to see as of this present moment, backed up of course by a player’s past. At this moment, I urge you to pause and think of Roger Federer. To the mightiest doubter I ask, is it finally “Clear” enough?

Third, a champion has to be humble and respect what the game has given him, an opportunity to showcase a talent to the world. This is a real test and probably the hardest checkbox to tick for many great players. The mental side of the game is often the hardest and most testing. A certain Ricky Ponting will never be acknowledged in the same bracket as a Sachin Tendulkar and however hard he may try, Cristiano Ronaldo will always find it so much harder to go one up against Lionel Messi. There must be a sense of giving, not just to charitable causes but also a giving of your time to people who care about you. Someone who never refuses an interview, a photograph, an autograph. I never forget till this date Rahul Dravid’s smile when I met him as a 12-year-old for winning the best player in a tournament and he told me one sentence, “Believe that this is just the beginning.” Of course, my career went pretty much nowhere after that, so much for that, but the fact is every word you say and every smile makes a huge difference to a fan. And that is why Roger Federer stands out, not fazed by his greatness; he never forgets to make a difference. A tiny one albeit, ask the ball boys at Basel, Switzerland, year after year.

Finally a champion needs to be a warrior, someone who never gives up even after miles and miles of dark tunnels. People say, “The bigger they are, the harder they fall.” In a world where your every move is scrutinized by millions on a grand stage, the decline of a great player seems to be pre-empted with calls for an axe rather than a garland of flowers to celebrate a man’s contribution to the game. It takes character to come back when you are written off as a forgotten hero. Sourav Ganguly, Lance Armstrong and many other strong-hearted players come to my mind. Roger Federer gave up his No. 1 position in May 2010 and I am proud to present to you, the coming back of a CHAMPION to a pedestal where he belongs. I have celebrated your greatest victories but I have also stood by you when the world had written you off.

A toast, to a man, we all wish to be. God bless.

#1

Roger That..