The End of an Era?

Written by: Hayley Hranicky-Galitzer on 1st July 2010

The End of an Era? |

Roger Federer, 16 major titles, 285 total weeks as number one in the world, and 23 consecutive semifinal or better performances in majors until the French Open this year. He is considered by many to be the greatest of all time, but is his reign of King of the tennis court coming to an end?

Federer was on top of the world earlier this year, having won his 16th major title at this year’s Australian Open. Roger’s sweet 16th was even sweeter because it was his first major win since becoming a father to twin girls. But after some time off from tournaments, Federer had a string of early round losses in Indian Wells, Miami, and Rome. Coming into this year’s French Open, he was the number one seed and the reigning champion. After this year’s French Open, he was number two in the world, he lost his title to his rival, Rafael Nadal, and his streak of 23 consecutive semifinal or better appearances in majors was ended after a quarterfinal loss to Robin Soderling.

However, Wimbledon has always been home to Roger, and most thought he would win again this year. A 6-time champion at the All England Club, Federer was given the number one seed despite his number two ranking. He survived a first round scare against Columbian Alejandro Falla, and a close battle to qualifier Ilia Bozoljac in the second round. As he breezed by his next two matches, his quarterfinal match-up against Tomas Berdych proved to be too much for the Swiss to handle.

His 23 consecutive semifinal or better appearances was ended ironically by 2 quarterfinal appearances. With so many points to defend because of his wins at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and his runner-up performance at the US Open (all last year), his ranking may drop even below number two, something that hasn’t occured in the last 7 years. His rival, Nadal, though suffering from injury at the end of last year and the beginning of this year, is in his element again
after regaining the French Open title and the number one ranking. His other opponents are hot on his heels with names like Soderling, Davydenko, and Murray vying for their first major. He will be turning 29 in the beginning of August and many think his body may be feeling the effects of 20 years or so of tennis. Having married long time girlfriend Mirka and having twins last year, he now has a different set of responsibilties; tennis is not be the only priority.

So many ask, is this the end of an era? The Roger Federer Era

Many obstacles are ahead of Roger, but he has also been clear of his intentions to continue to play for years to come including playing the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Though Federer seems to be sliding from the top of the game, no one can disregard the pure genius of his play.

So it remains, is Federer the past or is he the future?

Though there are external influences, his future is in his own hands. A true champion becomes stronger in the face of adversity. I believe Roger Federer is a true champion.

Topics: Alejandro Falla, Australian Open, England Club, French Open, French Open Title, Greatest Of All Time, Indian Wells, Majors, Occured, Oth, Rafael Nadal, Robin Soderling, Roger Federer, Roland Garros, Tennis Court, Time Champion, Tomas Berdych, Top Of The World, Twin Girls, Wimbledon