Yesterday was a sad day for millions of tennis fans around the world.
Roger Federer, whom many dub The king of tennis, or the GOAT, played his last professional match in London.
Although most of his records have been broken by Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic, his trademark play style (graceful, almost effortless movements on the court, one-handed backhand, pinpoint accuracy behind the first serve, great dropshots and volleys too) will definitely be remembered for generations to come.
I’ve been a fan since he beat Pete Sampras in a 5-set thriller at Wimbledon 2001. His first of 20 grand slam titles would come 2 years later. I cried for joy when he finally won Roland Garros in 2009, after conceding several final matches to Nadal at the same venue. A full decade later, I almost broke the tv when he squandered 2 championship points against Djokovic at Wimbledon 2019, missing out on what would have been his 9th trophy there.
Never got his autograph, always told myself he would be playing into old age and I’d surely have my chance. I am filled with regret.
But I’m happy for everything else he gave me. Not only endless hours of entertainment, but also strength to carry on when the going got tough, and hope in humanity when he created the RF Foundation, and determination to keep improving my English and French (as he did too, his native language being German), and the list goes on.
He was and always will be my tennis idol.
So thank you Roger, and may you live long and prosper, surrounded by your beautiful family. You may have hung up the racquet, but I’m sure the fire within will lead you to other great accomplishments.
Game. Set. Match.