I always believed he could win another grand slam. My family are huge Federer fans but I can’t count the number of times since 2013 when Federer’s made a run at Wimbledon and my family have told me not to get my hopes up, he’s too old to win again, he just can’t beat Djokovic or Nadal on the big stages anymore, maybe if it’s Murray he might have a chance.
I always argued against them, “You cannot and should not ever count Federer out until his last match is over”. They’d laugh, and then we’d sit down and watch Federer lose. They’d look at me in sympathy, as my former unwavering belief would temporarily shatter, and a small part of me would start to doubt.
Not doubt that he wouldn’t win one. But maybe if Djokovic, and Nadal and Murray could crash out of a tournament, maybe if he didn’t have to play someone with much experience, or maybe a top 20 player who was having an off day. He could do it then, I’d reassure myself. All I’d need was every other player to be a bit shit, then Federer could storm to victory again.
In those moments, I was an idiot. A stupid, dumb as fuck idiot. Because I started to find excuses for a player who doesn’t need them. When Federer is playing his best, he can beat anyone. He may be old, but he sure as fuck doesn’t need a walking stick to get him through the game.
Today, Roger Federer, 35 years-old, ranked #17 in the world, having just spent 6 months out of the game injured, won his 18th Grand Slam at the Australian Open. The best part? He didn’t need an asterix to do it, there will be no “Well he didn’t really have to beat anyone good”. He won it against his greatest rival, Rafael Nadal, in a five-set match. Nadal is the guy who makes my entire stomach sink to my feet as I recall all the heartwrenching times he pummelled Federer in five-set matches. But not today.
Today Roger Federer reminded me again that he is the greatest, my greatest, of all time. He is a legend who doesn’t need your excuses, who laughs at your doubts, who picks himself up after failure and tries again. Tries better. Fails again. Fails better. (shout out to Wawrinka).
Congratulations Federer. You thoroughly earned #18, and I couldn’t be more proud and privileged to watch you play and earn your place in history.
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