Apart from the fact that Stan ‘the man’ Wawrinka won his
maiden Grand Slam at the Australian Open this year, if there was one thing that
any person who is even remotely connected to the sport of Tennis had to vouch
for at this point of time - that thing would be the definite fact that people at
Melbourne Park got to witness something really special at the hands of Roger
Federer.
In addition to him showing shades of his vintage self
that personified someone who dictated terms on the court, he also portrayed a
side of his playing capabilities that everyone on the tennis fraternity thought
was lost. The class act manner in which the 17-time Grand Slam champion manufactured
points with majestic brilliance proved without a shadow of a doubt that the
32-year old still has what it takes to win a Grand Slam.
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Federer indeed can bounce back after his Australian Open
show. He has a new racquet, a new coach and best of all a new attitude towards
handling the game he considers to be most close to his heart. He’s enjoying the
game more now, he has a disciplined regime and as always his spirit is an
epitome of ‘never-say-die’. Somewhere
down the line everyone, even Federer, wanted that person to return. And that’s
what happened at the Australian Open.
The ease with which Federer overcame the challenges
thrown by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Andy Murray was nothing short of breathtaking.
Whether it was his insane slices, his genius fake shots or his ridiculous
inventions that left his fans spellbound and gasping for more, Roger Federer
was able to pierce millions of hearts with his stupendous serves and his mesmerizing
game-play.
Federer may have lost the battle when he bowed out
against Rafael Nadal in the semis, but one thing that can be said with utmost certainty
is that the Swiss Maestro is ready to win the war in the long run. Because Fedex
in the true sense is and will always be an embodiment of grace, the king of
tennis and the incarnation of a living legend.
