THE G.O.A.T. - Roger Federer!

On Sunday, june 7th 09 Roger Federer defeated Robert Soderling to win a record equalling 14th career grand slam and his first at the french open, after reaching the finals on three previous occassions. This time though there was no Rafa to stop him ( Thank you soderling for that !) So the argument is once again back on the table - Is he the G.O.A.T.? ( greatest of all time- for the ignorant). In terms of pure skill, record against opponents( except rafa), his dominance over the period and ofcourse his impeccable grand slam record he is the greatest of all time. But to be regarded as THE GOAT, a champion has to have more than ability and skill. Lets look at a few OTHER crucial factors that maketh a LEGEND.

1. Consistency - I believe consistency is the true hallmark of a champion, to reach the top is not that difficult, but to remain at the top for a major part of your career, even if you are not in the best of the shapes or form, that requires a lot of courage and determination. To keep yourself motivated is the biggest challenge of them all. Roger definitely has displayed this quality in ample. So full marks to him.

2. Performance Under Pressure - This is the one aspect that separates the men from the boys. And Roger federer is definitely a MAN OF STEEL. He has risen to the occassion more often than not. But recently his aura of invincibility has taken a beating at the hands of Nadal, reducing him into tears at the Australian open final. But we cant count him out on the basis of one or two occassions. So a thumbs up to him on this aspect.

3. Respect For opponents - despite losing to Nadal so many times, Federer never lost his cool. He gets emotional when he loses yes, but never plays down his opponents. he always acknowledges and respects his opponents skill. the Nadal-federer rivalry has hooked the entire tennis world but they still have enormous respect for each other, which is a desirable trait in a true champion.

There are many other aspects but to me these three are essentially essential. Federer stands tall in all the three. So to me atleast he is the GOAT. And even the legends agree :

Federer's versatility was epitomised by Jimmy Connors' statement: "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". David Foster Wallace described Federer's exceptional speed, fluidity and brute force of this forehand motion as "a great liquid whip", while John McEnroe has referred to Federer's forehand as "the greatest shot in our sport".

So we are indeed lucky and privileged to see in action THE GOAT - ROGER FEDERER. His shots are poetry in motion, the subtle angles, the aweinspiring forehand and the merciless serves. My only wish- To see this man play for real.



For more information on Roger- try this link - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_federer