Perfection on court
K. KEERTHIVASAN
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His calm demeanour and superior playing skills have endeared Federer to his fans.
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The Wimbledon final between Nadal and Federer was significant in more ways than one. And the fact was not lost on Federer.
VICTORY: Hard won. PHOTO: REUTERS
"I felt like I played a guy who was as near to perfection as you can play the game," a stunned (Jonas) Bjorkman said, after the semi-final loss at Wimbledon. "I had the best seat in the house." There is nothing new
in the Swede's remark, you might say, as that's what most of the players on the ATP tour feel when they face Roger Federer, the World No. 1.
What does Federer have that others do not? Ask Lleyton Hewitt, who lost all the nine times the two met since 2004. Or, the perennial under-achiever Andy Roddick, to whom Federer lost but once in 11 meetings.
With the exception of the muscular Rafael Nadal, not one of them has dared to put up any sort of resistance to Federer this year. Nadal defeated Federer four times this year, and six times in the overall count. But while on grass, everybody knows Federer walks on water. Nadal impressed at Wimbledon but it was Federer who had the last laugh. The Swiss's fourth title in a row at Wimbledon exemplified his dominance on grass.
Steady growth
For one who began playing tennis when he was eight years old, Federer's game has grown steadily.
Born to a South African mother, Lynette, and a Swiss father, Robert, Federer's fluency in English is attributed to his mother's lineage. He is fluent in German, French and Italian. Apart from his superior skills, what has endeared Federer to tennis fans has been his calm demeanour (as a boy Federer was emotional and threw many tantrums, and had to be kicked off the practice courts quite often).
The 2006 Wimbledon final between Nadal and Federer was significant in more ways than one. And the fact was not lost on Federer. Nadal had defeated him six times out of seven (before the Wimbledon) and four times this year. Said Federer after claiming the Wimbledon title: "I'm very well aware of how important this match was for me. If I lose, obviously, it's a hard blow for me. It's important for me to win a final against him, for a change, and beat him. At Wimbledon, I knew it was going to be the place for me to do it the easiest way."
A few smiled in relief at Nadal's resurgence in a short time, for finally, they thought a challenger for the Swiss has been found.
Is a new rivalry unravelling before our eyes? Or will players continue to "have the best seat in the house."
Roger trivia
In the media in Spanish-speaking countries, he is sometimes referred to as "El reloj suizo" (The Swiss watch).
Favourite vacation spots are Maldives, Dubai, and the Swiss mountains.
Plays the piano. Likes classic rock and classical music.
Says he does not know how to cook at all.
Shows interest in football and cricket. Supports FC Basel, his hometown club.
As a boy, Roger was very emotional on the court and threw many tantrums. He admits to being kicked off the practice courts very often.
In the current 2006 season, Federer has only lost four matches. All four losses were to Rafael Nadal.
Courtesy: Wikipedia
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