I always believed he could win another grand slam. My family are huge Federer fans but I canāt count the number of times since 2013 when Federerās made a run at Wimbledon and my family have told me not to get my hopes up, heās too old to win again, he just canāt beat Djokovic or Nadal on the big stages anymore, maybe if itās Murray he might have a chance.
I always argued against them, āYou cannot and should not ever count Federer out until his last match is overā. Theyād laugh, and then weād sit down and watch Federer lose. Theyād 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 wouldnāt win one. But maybe if Djokovic, and Nadal and Murray could crash out of a tournament, maybe if he didnāt have to play someone with much experience, or maybe a top 20 player who was having an off day. He could do it then, Iād reassure myself. All Iād 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 doesnāt need them. When Federer is playing his best, he can beat anyone. He may be old, but he sure as fuck doesnāt 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 didnāt need an asterix to do it, there will be no āWell he didnāt really have to beat anyone goodā. 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 doesnāt 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 couldnāt be more proud and privileged to watch you play and earn your place in history.
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