Feb 04, 2006 11:08 PM
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(Updated Mar 07, 2006 02:38 PM)
Disclaimer: This is, by no means a ‘review’, because I cannot possibly ‘review’ a man who I consider the ultimate sportsman. I can only pay a humble tribute…..
When I hear the name Roger Federer, many images of the champion race through my mind. But as I sit back, I realize, that one of the first things that I visualize about this great man is the fact that he goes beyond the game of tennis. He is, what we all perceive as, the ideal sportsman. And this review of mine is dedicated to him and him only……
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The Dhamakedaar Entry- Stopping Pistol Pete
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Though Federer had been playing Tennis for a long, long time- since the age of eight- to be exact, the first time that he came to everyone’s notice was in the 4th round of the 2001 Wimbledon Championships where he played with another Tennis legend- Pete Sampras. The stage was set. The curtains drawn. On paper, it looked like any other match that the pistol had played- totally one-sided. Afterall, he was looking for his 32nd consecutive win, a record by itself. But one man came in the way of the dream- average height, average looks, dark brown locks tied up in a pony-tail, and a conspicuous nose- perhaps the only part of this man that really made him stand out, when he strode onto court, was that endearing, charming smile that he occasionally broke into. But there was more to him, as Pete was to eventually realize, during the grueling five-setter that followed. Something that would make him break the pistol’s dream run; something that would steer him to become on of the most dreaded (yet most loved) sportsmen of this century……. To this date the champion considers this his biggest win. And why not? Afterall, it was his idol whom he had dethroned!
And the Fed-express has not slowed down ever since……:)
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The Dream Journey- Unstoppable!
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The journey of this champ has much more to it than the seven grand-slam titles, and the 35 career titles. It has been a journey of confidence, grace, poise, and ultimate dominance. While his win-loss record of 81-4 in 2005 speaks volumes about his dominance, and the fact that he’s admired by each one of his competitors, justifies why he is also one of the most loved sportsmen of the century……
Today, in the follow-up of every tournament, there are no questions asked about who colud be the possible contenders for the title. The only question that arises- and more often than not, remains unanswered- is, who will stop Federer this time?
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The on-court persona- calm, collected
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As Federer walks onto the court, there is a sort of a lull- a lull before the storm unleashes! As he releases one after another of his near-perfect strokes- the smooth forehand and effortless backhand; the enviable lobs and delicate drop-shots- one can only wonder at the obvious genius and grace that this man possesses. There is a certain arrogance in the way he goes about wrecking his opponent- sure of his success- a true mark of a champion. His confidence can be measured by the fact that he confesses that he never thinks it’s within him to lose any match! But what strikes you most about this man, is the grace with which he plays- where every shot almost flows from his raquet- a treat for tennis watchers world-wide.
But all the storm is only seen and heard through his flurry of shots, while his face bears the same serene, collected look- whether it be the first point or the match point- his face does not reflect anything but the immence confidence within. If he plays a bad shot, a gentle shake of the head, and he’s all ready to face the next point- the past forgotten. If there is a wrong line call- he simply chooses to ‘forgive and forget’. One almost wonders if this man possesses any emotions at all!
But all the doubts are laid to rest as the emotions show themselves at the end of the match- and they are near-unstoppable! Such an incident was recently witnessed at the finals of the Australian Open this year, where he beat the unseeded Cyprian- Marcos Baghdatis- in four sets. After the match, the man was so overcome by emotion, that he could not speak two words- a measure of the mental and emotional toll the two weeks had taken on him. Something that assures us that he’s human afterall……
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The off-court persona- humble, non-controversial
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One of the main things that makes Federer such a great man, is the fact that he has carried himself so gracefully off-court too- a perfect model to whoever chooses to idolize him. Though he has a girl-friend of three years with him wherever he goes-and an ever-changing set of coaches- one never hears of Federer’s personal life, which he fiercely keeps under the wraps. Perhaps there is so much to write about his on-court achievements, that there’s no time for his off-court life at all!
And the way this man has sustained himself over the past three years, is a marvel to all. His humility, approachability and the sheer ‘nice-ness’ about this man is a lesson to one and all. The very fact that through all that emotional outburst at the end of the Australian Open, he did not forget to congratulate his opponent and his team first and foremost, speaks volumes about how much this man has brought to the game of Tennis. He has never let his popularity get to him- and is a perfect example of an ideal sportsman.
Continued in the comments page.......
