Roger Federer, in this Wimbledon has not been his usual self. His backhands have found the nets more often than not, his aces were not as recurrent as they once were and though he volleyed quite a lot, his lazy elegance was not as eloquent as it once had been. Yet, he still conquered the court and stole people’s heart. His semifinals win against Andy Murray was vintage Federer.
If people had their say on the Centre Court, for the final, the match would have gone well into the fifth set with Federer claiming his eighth Wimbledon title. But alas, Novak Djokovic ruled the court! He played aggressively, not budging an inch and his base line play was ferocious. He created unforced errors and played blistering shots that had no answers in Federer’s vast repertoire. He produced winners at his will, to combat from the corner he was backed into and Federer had to bow, despite his valiant effort.
Federer had his moments too. The way he set Djokovic up to claim the second set tie breaker was awesome. His aces were a treat to the eye, but his cross court winners stole my heart. Though I was supporting Djokovic, I could not help but applaud Federer’s every point. Federer, in his unassuming self is easy to adore and his game demands respect, from the audience and the opponent. And even at his worst, he still produces the master stokes. But, his brilliance was insufficient. At 33, his game is still solid, he still is playing awesome rallies, yet, when the younger opponent with his ferocious returns intends to reign, he just had to accept that his best was insufficient.
But, I find it hard to say it was Federer at his best in the final. Federer, who could break any opponents serve with ease was fighting to hold on to his serve, not a common occurrence. He who could produce drop volleys and blistering back hands, could only find net at the moment it mattered. He who could read the opponent like a book and change tactics at will, could do nothing but push on for just one more game. All this culminated his dream of creating history. Whether he wins another Wimbledon or not, he still is the unconquered king of the hearts of all the Centre Court audience.
And Novak Djokovic, overcame the pressure of playing a maestro in front of an un-supporting audience and produced a game of deeper depth with such aplomb, that it was clear who the winner was, the moment he took the first set. It was only a matter of time when the errors of the opponent were too many, and his returns were too good to play. His first serves were tight, his returns were ruthless, his break points were spectacular, his drop volleys stunning and his rallies heartwarming. He raised his game with every stroke, he demanded nothing but brilliance as counter-attack. He stood tall to produce breathtaking tennis and took the maestro on his backcourt and owned it. It was difficult to not fawn at his display of aggression and smile at him eating the grass off centre court after winning. If his shout of victory was anything to go by, there is more of that yet to come!!
I enjoyed this Wimbledon immensely!! And this era, where there is a champion in every second name of the game, it sure is a golden era for tennis... Looking forward to the US Open :)
