The first time I heard of Roger Federer was in newspapers when I was a small kid. I used to come back home after school, and turn the pages of my newspaper from the back to see the latest updates in the world of sports. That’s basically how I got hooked to Tennis, Cricket, and some Football. That’s how I became a fan of Novak Djokovic, and that’s how I got to know about his epic rivalry with other giants of the game, ROGER FEDERER, and Rafael Nadal.
Roger Federer’s peak was before 2012. He won 5 consecutive Wimbledon and US Open titles during his peak. So many people admired and became his fan while they grew up. I came up late, so I saw him late. I admit to having no memory to call special about Roger Federer. The time did not sync up. But I still have plenty of things to write about perhaps the most liked tennis player ever.
Roger Federer was always the goat in the goat race (Greatest of all time). I saw Novak Djokovic close out the gap year after year. The same is to be said about Nadal. It was like Roger came and set the bar. And let everyone chase it down. I never witnessed the legendary rivalry between Nadal and Roger during 2005-10. They played so many finals consistently. But that was also how a bromance spun out of rivalry and made everyone around the world love it. FEDAL FOREVER people say it.
Roger Federer's peak was long before the new gen even grazed the courts. But it is commendable how well he adapted to the game which changed over the years. He played with one leg in the Wimbledon 2021 and still made it to the quarterfinals before getting bageled by Hubert Hurkacz which became the final set he ever played at a grand slam. But the fact that he was still consistently getting deep into grand slams as he aged tells me that if someone has the knowledge and skills (Roger Federer must be the most knowledgeable person in tennis), they can still push the body. He did that for some time but ultimately it is going to be tough for anyone. But the fact that he did it and achieved success is enough to define greatness.
I respect Roger Federer for whatever he has done for tennis over the years. He was once a ball boy from the city of Basel and now he is the King of tennis from the city of Basel. There is so much history between those two phrases. I loved it when Novak Djokovic won matches against his biggest rivals, Roger and Nadal. And I did so because those victories have to be earned. You don’t win every day against great players. So I loved it. Roger Federer was the core of the Big 3 (Roger, Rafa, and Novak) and he led it with perfection. He set the bar, challenged Rafa and Novak to up their level, and accepted graciously when the time came that he isn’t the best ever once both of them caught up with him. Thank you, Roger Federer. You have led and given tennis an era people will cherish throughout their lives.
I might not have any special memories to think about Roger Federer, but his Wimbledon 2022 appearance and standing beside one of his biggest rivals Novak Djokovic, with the loudest ever cheers I have heard from tennis fans, is one memory I will always remember. Laver Cup 2022 was the final ATP event Roger Federer played in and it was fitting to end his career playing doubles together with his biggest ever rival Rafael Nadal.
Nadal crying at Roger’s retirement is such an emotional moment and the single biggest thing that defines Roger Federer’s legacy. Making his biggest-ever opponent become his brother and cry out of respect goes beyond stats and slams won. He made true connections, left a mark, set the bar, and retired when the time came.
Novak Djokovic initiating and rallying Team Europe and Team World members to lift Roger on their shoulders is up there with Wimbledon 2022 moment. Novak and Roger have played so many matches together and both have had their fair share of losses. Novak kept grinding during his initial years while Roger battled it out during his final years.
I wish Roger Federer all the best for the future. I wish the best for his family and hope he teaches valuable tennis lessons in some way after retirement. Thank you for everything you have done for tennis and your rivals, King Roger Federer.