Roger Federer turns 30; can he bag another Grand Slam win – Tennis Special
The ephemeral mayfly, famous for its one day long adult life is much like professional tennis players in this regard. The gruelling sport requires players to be in their prime, both physically and mentally, hence an elite tennis
player’s shelf life is severely short-lived.
Roger Federer, who has immortalized himself as one of the best tennis players – if not the best, turns 30 on August 8th, 2011. The record breaking 16 times Grand Slam winner with unmatched credentials is currently in
Canada, playing at the Rogers Cup in the run up to what maybe his first Grand Slam, the US Open 2011, since turning 30.
“Well, I think when I look at Roger, I mean, I'm a fan. I'm a fan of how he plays, what he's about he's a class guy on and off the court. He's fun to watch. Just his athletic ability, what he's able to do on the run. I think he
can and will break every tennis record out there.” These were words Pete Sampras had used to describe Federer at his career’s start. Ironically, Federer commenced his fabled career with a five set win against Sampras himself at Wimbledon in 2001. At the time
Sampras himself had been a four time defending champion of the tournament himself.
Old man Federer isn’t content with the greatness he’s already garnered and is h**l bent on continuing play for another two to three years. Federer’s schedule till at least the 2012 Olympics has already been decided upon, where
he’s aiming to earn gold. What remains to be seen is whether his 30 year old body still packs the punch required to carry on Federer’s hallmark style of power, quickness and agility, through the golden years of his career.
Age has always been one contender that a player, no matter how great he or she is on court, hasn’t been able to triumph over. There are only a limited number of Grand Slam winners who bagged titles aged 30 or above and even fewer
players have managed to regain No.1 positions post 30. Thirty thus seems to be a vestigial cut off point to a tennis athlete’s prime.
Federer aims to follow in the footsteps of tennis greats who have enjoyed considerable longevity. “Like Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors, Ken Rosewall, and Rod Laver – it’s very inspiring to see what they were able to do for a very
long period of time,” Federer has said.
However there are two factors which could strongly hinder Federer’s pursuit. The fact remains that right now the top 3 slots are teeming with young players rearing to gain the coveted positions. This in stark contrast to 2001 or
2002 when Andre Agassi and Sampras managed to clock in Grand Slams, at 32 and 31 years of age respectively. Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray are players who are in the best of health and primed at winning tournament this season. Hence the competition
is fiercer and an old player, despite his greatness, might falter.
The second obstacle that the Fed Express faces now that he’s crossed 30 are the sheer statistics stacked unfavourably against him. Aged 37 years and 2 months, Australian Rosewall is the oldest player to win a Grand Slam. This betrays
that Federer might have at least 7 more years to go after the top prize, however the list of thirty-something winners shrinks drastically and to date only 7 players winning the Grand Slam nine times. These 9 include two each by Agassi and Jimmy Connors.
Federer’s dismal performance at this year’s edition of the Australian Open and his quarter final loss to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at Wimbledon, Federer’s favourite court, marks according to many in tennis circles the beginning of the
Swiss Champion’s decline. This year has been the first time in 7, that Federer doesn’t call even one Grand Slam title his own.
The towering Swiss giant brushed aside August 8th as just another day, saying birthdays happen. Federer recently said, “I probably plan one-and-a-half years ahead. I’m already thinking beyond the Olympics next year.”
We believe that Federer winning gold at Wimbledon, venue for 2012 Olympics tennis matches, is highly probable and will be the crowing victory on an extremely successful career. It’s best if the beloved giant goes out in style, rather than continue playing
as an ‘also ran’ or a ‘former champion’.
Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in the article are the writer’s own personal views and have nothing to do with bettor.com’s editorial policy.
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