Player of the month for June 2009—Roger Federer
July 11, 2009 · Print This Article
Welcome to a special edition of the POM honors. Usually there is some debate between the members of TennisConnected.com staff in regards to who should receive the distant pleasure. The end-all-to-be-all in regards to June’s POM decision was unanimous with the events which transpired last week during the finals of the Wimbledon Championships—all claims of indecision were laid to rest.
Roger Federer did not only become the player of month for June 2009, he also arguably (not as arguable at the moment) achieved the status of the greatest player to have ever lived. With his epic five set win over American Andy Roddick, Federer set himself a top the perch of the whose who in men’s tennis, a spot which maybe lonely, but welcomed none-the-less. The front row of predecessors in attendance to witness him break the all time record in London will attest to that.
The magic number “15″ did come a severe price. That price: complete and utter mental excretion, coupled by flawless athleticism, and a bit of luck, allowed the Swiss giant to the gates of immortality.
Mind you, POM honors could very well have went to Federer’s opponent Andy Roddick on the destined Sunday. If not for that dreadful volley which the American butchered at 6-5 serving in the second set tie-breaker. But that is tennis folks, sometimes a little horse-shoe is involved to make the grandeur of an event possible. Federer, certainly will not complain.
The accolades of such a significant feat in tennis history must be re-mentioned. In a time and place where tennis is deeper and more versatile than it ever has been; Roger Federer has taken everything that he has achieved with the confidence of emotion, dedication and a sense of urgency to capture the all time record of grand slam events won. And yes, in only 7 years.
I know it’s hard to believe that Pistol Pete Sampras left the game that fall ‘02 afternoon in Flushing Meadows, capturing his 14th grand slam against his chief rival Andre Agassi. Who would have known at the time, that that backhand volley Pete hit on match point would be the last stroke of genius in his long and illustrious career? You like to believe that Roger Federer is happy Sampras stopped when he did.
Needless to say, Federer has been on an utter romp the past 7 seasons. Gliding through 22 straight semifinal appearances and counting, the graceful and elegant craftsmen, seems to end his matches in the exact same manner which he began them: not a ruffle in his shirt, not a crease or indication of perspiration in sight. Does this guy ever sweat? Not when he’s racing towards history.
On countless occasions, Federer has pushed the boundaries of tennis pundits and the avid fan to question if in fact his vital signs are human or if their is red blood in his veins? Wimbledon has surely brought forth gold.
The sheer numbers which Roger has achieved may never be broken. At present time, only a healthy and hungry Rafael Nadal stands a chance at up-ending Federer’s reign. But with constant niggling injuries, the Spaniard will require many years of a clean health in order to persevere.
With only a Gold medal in singles at the Olympics left on Roger’s plate, he has vowed that he is hungrier than ever to keep his dynasty on the incline. If anything, the constant desire for improvement, coupled with his love and passion for the game, have become the catalyst for his ability to stay at the top for as long as he has.
Federer once said “I don’t just play the game, I live the game.” Well, at this stage in continuing saga that is the Federer career, perhaps “you are the game, Roger”, should be penciled in.
With a child on the way, and the exaggerated horror of the beginning of ‘09 behind him, a free flowing champion intends to enjoy the rest of his playing days.
“I don’t know if you’re a legend as long as you’re still playing the sport. So let’s wait and see.”
If there was ever a case for a living legend still competing in the sport, Roger Federer is that player.
The next time the ATP World Tour or a Grand Slam rolls into your city or town, it would be in your best interest to stop by and check it out. Not only will you be treated to world class, an array of first-rate athletes and a sun tan if you’re lucky, but Roger Federer just might be playing. In the event that you really hit the jackpot, and stumble upon a night when the top ranked player in the world is in action, it is critical not only to pay attention to the fluidity of his forehand, the brush of slice he creates when hitting a serve out wide, or even pin-drop movement he employs after each and ever soundless step he takes on court. What you really want to pay attention to is a living legend playing before your eyes. The man even a pro player would pay to watch.
It is unknown at this time how many more titles or accolades Roger Federer will break or achieve. His talent and belief system seem to run wild in the endless river of internal tennis greatness. Moving forward, the single most important component which will drive Federer through however many more years he intends to compete, will be the love and passion he has sustained throughout the years, dating back to the first time he ever pick up a racket as a budding 6-year old in his native Switzerland.
Old habits die hard, here’s hoping Roger Federer’s willingness to win is not one of them.
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