The Sun also Rises: Roger

-Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images

“One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh; but the earth abideth forever… The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to the place where he arose …”

– ECCLESIASTES

The Race for ATP Mens Singles Ranking has again heated up this season. So far this year has been most exciting with the top three retaining points very close to 10k mark. But if there is something that is next to being the World-No:1, then that would be winning at the All England Club this summer.

Nadal would be seeking revenge for the seven-in-a-row title defeats to Djokovic and vice-versa Djokovic for recent three defeats in Clay Season. Nadal vs Djokovic could be the most awaited (repetitive) match-up. But visualizing Wimbledon would not be complete without Roger Federer. It seems as if he is ingrained deep into the event from time immemorial, thanks to the Rolex Ads.

Bluntly put, soon turning 31 this year, Roger will not get lots of chances to add to the existing record six titles at Wimbledon. Winning the next Major title after the 16^th has been rather elusive. In last nine grand slam events spanning more than 2 years, Federer only made it to one final: French Open -2012. With Quarter Final exit in last two Wimbledon appearances ODDs are firmly stacked against Federer this time: Labrokes tournament winning odds show probability of winning at 18% vs 37% for Djokovic and 33% for Nadal. (recent performance at Gerry Weber Open has helped pull it up from 11%.)

On the positive side we did see Roger rise at times of adversity this year, most memorable and fresh in mind would be the French Open QF against Del Potro and many others like the narrow escapes against Raonic and Berdych. Still it could be concluded that he is having trouble against Djokovic and Nadal. Win against Nadal in Miami SF was quite emphatic but then again gets diluted to some extent due to the extreme playing conditions on that day.

Statistical analysis of recent matches (last 2 yrs) and relative form may prove otherwise, but Federer fans do silently await to relive the exuberant moments of past at the All England Club. It is almost as if in the silence before the perfectly balanced serve, you could hear distant cry deep in your heart: “C’mon, Just one more time!”