The never-say-die spirit of Roger Federer
When Roger Federer came up to collect the runners-up plate in the post match presentation ceremony, you could sense the disappointment in his eyes. He cut a forlorn figure, his team was visibly dejected. After all, this was one trophy they didn’t want to take home.
Federer played a flawless semifinal just 2 days ago and termed it as one of the best matches of his career. He was doing everything to perfection and absolutely nothing could go wrong on Sunday. An eighth Wimbledon title was one of the goals for the season, and he was moving swiftly across grass, the surface dearest to him.
But then, wouldn’t have any tennis player approaching the age of 34 accepted the runners-up place at one of the most prestigious Grand Slams with both hands? After all, many players Federer’s age, some even younger, have already retired.
Maybe. But not Roger Federer, because age and losses do not define him. Wins do. He has proven this time and again that setbacks do not hinder him. They only motivate him to rise. Again.
"But of course you sort of walk away empty-handed. For me a finalist trophy is not the same. Everybody knows that", said the Swiss.
When most would have surrendered at 3-6 down in the 2nd set tie break where his opponent had 3 set points to go 2-0 ahead, he came back strongly to win the set and force a 4th.That’s just a small glimpse of the mental strength of the 17-time Grand Slam champion.
Federer motivated for more success
"I lost against the World No. 1 at the moment. That's the kind of guy you probably can lose against. I'm not going to accept it and say it's normal. It's not," Federer said. To say this, immediately after a heartbreaking loss speaks volumes about the temperament of the player and what truly makes him a champion.
Having acknowledged the crowd and his team for their unflinching support, he accepted that Djokovic was a better player on the day and had been for the past 2 weeks. But not without a warning to the naysayers. He is as hungry and motivated as ever and by his own standards, it was a great fortnight at the Championships.
When he didn’t win a Grand Slam in 2011, critics started questioning his ability to compete at the highest level. He hit back with Wimbledon 2012. 2013 presented just 1 title and he dropped to No.7 at one point. The clamour for his retirement grew. Yet again he produced a stellar performance, rose to No.2 and came within touching distance of the No.1 ranking.
He’s still the 2nd best player in the world. Certainly not a bad accolade to have.
For all the human that Roger Federer is, don’t be surprised if he comes out and wins the US Open.