Dylan Bettencourt
Athletes like Roger Federer only come around once in a lifetime but like all good things, their domination of the game must come to an end.
The tennis player from Switzerland grabbed tennis by the scruff of its neck and smashed it into another stratosphere.
Federer was the first male tennis player to be a consistent winner but it was the manner in which he played that made him stand out.
In every way he was the epitome of what tennis should be – an elegant game whose players display both class and humility. Federer filled that bill, even though for a very long time he was the best there was.
Federer holds the record for the most time spent as the number one tennis player in the world; he occupied the top spot for 237 weeks.
But winning 20 Grand Slams takes its toll on the body and ultimately it was Federer’s body that let him down.
“As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries,” Federer wrote.
“I’ve worked hard to return to full competitive form. But I also know my body’s capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear.”
Federer also holds South African citizenship as his mother hails from Kempton Park in Gauteng – he often visits the country and is said to have holiday homes around South Africa.
Federer inspired an entire generation of tennis players who tried (and probably failed) to attempt his signature one-handed backhand.
Every tennis coach in the world would advise against using Federer’s backhand style, not because it was incorrect but because it was near impossible to perfect.
Federer’s success inspired the likes of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to keep up with him and battles among the trio always lit up the world stage.
“This is a bittersweet decision, because I will miss everything the tour has given me. But at the same time, there is so much to celebrate,” Federer said.
The 41-year-old ends his career with five Australian Open titles, one French Open title, eight Wimbledon titles and four US Open titles.
But it is not over just yet. Fans will get one last chance to watch Federer on court when he takes part in the Lavar Cup in London next week, set as a final swansong for arguably the greatest tennis player of all time.
Image source: @Wimbledon
