Federer Express b(l)itz...

There has been a lot of talk in the recent months by American tennis media, former players like Pat McEnroe and players themselves that the gap between Roger Federer and others was closing in. There was perhaps a nugget of basis for that claim, albeit a tiny one. A-Rod (Andy Roddick…well, his career is now paralleling the other well known A-Rod) had won an Australian Open preparation tournament, the Kooyong final. His association with Jimmy Connors, if not helping him for his on-court play or tantrums, would at least instill some fighter abilities in him. For too long, he has looked lost, like a deer caught in headlights, while facing Federer. There were also other players like Nadal, Gonzalez, Davydenko who were hotly in pursuit of Federer. There were infact a few who had firmly installed Roddick as the Aussie champion even before the tournament began.

How wrong they all were!! That gap just turned into a gaping ravine. Federer dismantled Roddick in straight sets 6-4, 6-0, 6-2 and it was over in pretty quick time too. Quick and really painful (for Roddick and his bandwagon!). Federer’s mastery on the court often left Roddick flat footed, tongue-tied and twisted. This was a classic lesson from a master to pupil, putting him in his rightful place. It is quite amazing that Federer can play at such a high level, without a coach. He does have his sights set on Sampras’s 14 slams yet it must be almost tedious for him to prepare for matches knowing that he is far superior to anyone playing the game right now. The fact that he has kept his cool about it and often granted wholesome praise to his opponents adds another feather to his impeccable character cap. He might well be on his way to become one of the greatest to have played the sport, if he is not already.

As a fan, you want to see close games and some competition. However, Federer’s game is so riveting that we can spend all the time just wondering in amazement at his ability to pull out winners from impossible angles. This is sheer joy, unadulterated appreciation for a man who is on top of his game. Let’s enjoy it while it lasts…