Player of the Month for May 2009 – Roger Federer

With a mighty slump spear-heading the start of the 2009 season, the tennis world was halted in their tracks when penciling in Roger Federer for his “sure thing” 14th grand slam title.

After his break-down during the trophy ceremony to Rafael Nadal in Oz, the remainder of the calender year seemed all but promising for the Swiss.

More and more head scratching losses to players like Stan Wawrinka were occurring; and let’s not forget the racket shattering defeats to Novak Djokovic at both Miami and Roma. Their was simply no indication that Feds year would hit an up-swing.

His lack of improvement, unwillingness to get a coach (I know he tried), coupled with his recent marriage and child on the way, all pointed towards an “oh-so-close” 14th major.

The result of his pessimistic approach to elevating the standard of his tennis, would render Federer into sharing the mantle of Greatest of All Time – with players such as Pete Sampras and Rod Laver.

Well how quickly things can change? With the recent events of Federers French triumph, we can certainly now move the 14-time grand slam champ out of that shared pack – history is sweet when it is rewritten.

With no hesitation in picking the Player of the Month for the May, TennisConnected.com had the utter pleasure for giving the Swiss genius the nod for POM honors.

If you don’t know by now, (for those of you whom reside on Jupiter) Roger Federer won his record tying 14th grand slam title in France a little over a week ago – a truly life altering feat. With his grand slam resume complete, and a check-mark beside all goals a bonafide tennis-star sets out to achieve from day one – Federer now has the luxury of being loose and free-flowing for the remainder of his playing days.

Let’s remember here for a moment folks, that Rafael Nadal had a strangle hold on May POM honors for, oh, I don’t know, four year now? The Mallorcan had owned the clay-court season ever since he stepped foot on it back in 2005, and it appeared as though 2009 would be the same old dance.

But with a giant killer by the name of R0bin Soderling destroying his Clay Kingdom, and an eager and keen Roger Federer ready to pounce, it would Nadals tern to move over, at least for this year.

The moment had finally arrived when a Nadal-less journey, would allow Federer to capture his maiden French Open title.

With Nadal not being a factor this time around, it must certainly be noted that Rogers win in Paris was by no means an easy one. Federer had to fight through four tough matches before falling to his knee’s.

Make no mistake about it tennis fans, although Federer was elegant in his triumph in France; he was forced to grind in ways which he was not use to.

Drop-shots, dirty socks, and come from behind victories were never conducive to the Federer of old, or new for that matter. But when Rafa was bounced on that history making, trivia question Sunday – you could sense that a wide degree of optimism was lit throughout Federer’s 6′1″ frame.

As mentioned, just because Rafa was out of the way, it didn’t mean the other 15 players left in the draw didn’t recognize the same opportunity as Federer. German Tommy Haas who almost ambushed Federers run in Paris, with a two-sets-to-love lead, was one of the Nadal profit sharing players.

Let’s also not forget Juan Martin del Potro, and the ease in which he won his two sets against Federer in their semifinals. If not for fatigue by del Potro and better movement from the Swiss; the Argentine may have been standing on the podium giving Andre Agassi a hug.

Don’t champions always seem to strive under these situations? Moments where they are expected to win – moments when they shouldn’t? Victories which make them icons in their sport?

I guess, when it’s all said and done, that’s what makes Federer, Federer. He always seems to know what is as stake, and makes certain he is able to draw from all his years of domination, to execute his victories. It certainly does take a special sort of a person to take an unforeseen circumstance, and turn it into a distinct joyous occasion.

In many ways this years French Open was Soderlings as well. The Swede beat Nadal, which in tern helped Federer, and on the flip-side he became an easy finals opponent for the Swiss.

With a blow-out in the first set, and a missed Soderling forehand on match point, it was finally over. And even though Federer did not fall to the ground to celebrate (perhaps he didn’t want to get his tennis attire clayish?), the Swiss legend did shed a few customary tears of joy alongside Andre Agassi, as he cemented himself in the tennis records for eternity.

The final great fact about Federer winning the French was the same dream that many of us have, no matter what we do. That being: tomorrows outcome, whether it be bills, work, RRSP’s – in this case tennis results, will never be an issue again. Rest easy my friends, rest easy.

What a great feeling to have, isn’t it?

In reality R-Fed never has to win another singles match, let alone a tournament for the remainder of his career, and he will not be tarnished. His tennis legacy has been achieved.

I obviously doubt that Federer is done winning, if anything he will perhaps win more than ever now. But if Federer’s win on that destined and now historic Sunday showed us nothing else, it was that stickying around and preserving is the cornerstone of any great success.

You just never know when one giant collapse, will lead to another moment of eternal greatness.

Join our RSS feed and mailing list to be up to date and entered into our contests.
(We do not sell or distribute your email)

Delivered by FeedBurner