An Ode To The Maestro

August 8th, 1981, a child was born, was the apple of the eye to his parents, just like how any couple would feel, was special and precious. Who isn't to their parents? But there was something superfluous about this kid.

Going by the trivia that the web has to offer, this kid like any other normal, upbringing, concerned parents would do, was denied to make his own choices but destiny and fate had its own plans. Though tennis was a family passion in the Federer household, junior Federer was kept way far from the nets and the racket. Happenstance? Fate?

At the age of thirteen, Roger Federer left home to conquer the tennis world. It was way back in the 90's where tennis was dominated by its prodigies Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Ivan Lendl etc and there was a man in the making, brushing his skills and techniques to take on the champs of that era. Success and recognition first struck a chord with him at the All England Club, Wimbledon, where he won his first grand slam and rest as they say is history. The man, the myth and a true champion, Roger Federer! An amalgam of perfection, sheer concentration and dedication, subtle and guile, and a craft with a wile. There was a breakthrough and complete dominance for five consecutive years. He let his footwork do the talking, swiftly moving across the court to reach out to any corner and thumping a winner down the line. His distinguished forehand and single handed backhand would flabbergast his opponents as they kept guessing where on court would the ball arrive. He created magic time and again, and still continues to do so.

Federer's versatility has been summarised by Jimmy Connors: "In an era of specialists, you're either a clay court specialist, a grass court specialist, or a hard court specialist...or you're Roger Federer."

As its said, one cannot be at the pinnacle of one's career always, there was breakdown, deterioration and fading. With commendable success came criticism. Critics sort off wrote him off whenever he was knocked out of a grand slam before reaching the finals. Strategies, techniques and skills remained the same but what was going wrong was a million dollar question even to the man himself. It wasn't loopholes within himself but a young group of players taken the spotlight away with the likes of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. But it was again in 2009 where he won a marathon against Andy Roddick to surpass Pete's record in front of Pete himself, silencing the critics. Success again played the see-saw game until he came back to win the Wimbledon crown again adding a staggering figure of seventeen grand slams into his kitty.

After having achieved so much in life, Roger is known for his composure, tranquility, sportsmanship and has been a true gentlemen and is always grounded. Very few can handle such elevating success and cult status with sheer modesty and simplicity. Considering the illustrious career he has had, I guess he has nothing more to prove or achieve. Supposedly regarded as the second most followed man on earth after Nelson Mandela, ladies dashing knight, an inspiration to many and to me as well because of whom I let go all the inhibitions and made a start to learn tennis, thanks for the tennis addict that I am, a role model to many generations, for someone were success has become a day-to-day affair of sorts. A zillion hearts will be broken the day his retirement will be announced. Until then tennis is in safe hands, possibly the best ambassador of the sport till date, reliving every game, every time. Arguably the best tennis player ever, tagged to be the GOAT - greatest of all time, someone who redefines greatness, and has a legendary stature, here's wishing you the best in life, Happy Birthday Champion!