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A single title could change a player’s life forever. Disagree? Then, refer 2008 Wimbledon Men’s finals or the U.S Open Golf Major of 2000. Yes, this victory to Roger Federer is not as significant as the 2008 and 2000 ones were to Rafael Nadal or Tiger Woods. Still, this is a victory that Federer has earned the hard way.
Can you believe that this is the first trophy for Roger Federer in 10 months? I couldn’t. I grew up watching Federer dominate tennis in a manner than no man has dominated any other sport. It was a pleasure. But, the Midas Touch of the Master has long gone for almost 2 years now. His pace suffered significantly, he gave up on tough balls easily and he was quite frankly getting outplayed by people he once pounded.
I thought he would never win a title again. But, it was Basel. The place where Roger Federer began his career as a ball boy. So, he was always going to be the favorite. Still, I didn’t give him a chance to win, not with the World.No.1 in the fray. But, thanks to the exploits of Kei Nishikori, Federer won his 5th Basel Indoors title in six years.
So, what does this mean to the Roger Federer? Frankly, I don’t think it could mean anything significant. I have my reasons.
Reason 1 – Federer is not getting any younger
The age is showing off. Once, he could run back all the way to hit a winner through his legs but now, he does not have the pace to run forwards to take a volley. He is 30 and many people think that the 2012 Olympics in London might be IT for the champion.
Reason 2 – This was not much of a victory anyways!
Well, not many people came to Basel before a few years. Still, this year most top seeds including Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray were in the fray. But, Federer didn’t face any of them. The highest ranked player he had to face en route to the title was the 15th ranked Andy Roddick in the quarters.
Yes, this is a title but I don’t think you can count it as a proper victory.
Reason 3 – The driving force is gone!
There was the magic number 14 which made Federer win as many titles as he did. But, now he has 16. So, he does not have to play for anything that is significant enough. He also has the French title so you cannot brag about him not winning a title in Roland Garros. Personally, I think he would have got 3-4 French Open titles in Clay if it was not for a certain Mallorcan. Still, like I said, Federer has no driving force to make him play better these days.
Roger Federer might be the best man to have ever swung the Tennis racket but his days are being counted. This victory as much as joy it brings to Federer lovers like me does not mean anything significant. I wish he would sign off with one more Grand Slam and possibly a Gold at the London Olympics.
Whatever be whatever, the legacy of Roger Federer will live on no matter what he does from now.
