Posts

Showing posts from November, 2020

Why am I a Federer fan and would always be?

    Why am I a Federer fan and would always be?   In 2001, the game of tennis was nicely placed with some good young players coming up. None, however had challenged Pete Sampras, the reigning champion on grass so far.   At Wimbledon, he was the defending champion having won seven titles in the past eight years. In the fourth round, his opponent was a pony-tailed Swiss teenager named Roger Federer playing for the first time on the Centre court.   Watching Federer play some delightful strokes that day made me feel like an amused child watching a skilled magician perform jaw dropping tricks.   One particular moment in the match I so vividly remember was my perfect Federer-moment.   Here’s what happened -   The first set of the intriguing match was locked at 6-6 and Sampras was leading the tie break at 4-3 with Federer serving.   He emphasized  with a chest high serve. Sampras jumped back and returned with a backhand, his hands stretching wide.   Federer rus