ROGER FEDERER’S FATHER’S DAY WIN WITH MIRKA AND THE GIRLS WATCHING AND CHEERING FOR PAPA

Written by: Staff on 15th June 2014

ROGER FEDERER'S FATHER'S DAY WIN WITH MIRKA AND THE GIRLS WATCHING AND CHEERING FOR PAPA

epa04258690 Swiss tennis player Roger Federer holds the cup after winning the final match against Colombia's Alejandro Falla at the ATP tournament in Halle (Westphalia), Germany, 15 June 2014. Federer won the final in straight sets. EPA/OLIVER KRATO |

Sunday Final in Halle

By Cheryl Jones

Competing in the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, Germany must be like always finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for Roger Federer. When he won the final point today, it was his seventh singles title here. Now, he has fourteen titles on grass, and they are evenly divided between the “field of dreams” stadium nestled in the German countryside and the lawns of staid Wimbledon. His opponent was Alejandro Falla. The Colombian player came up a bit short of his own goals, with both sets going to a Tie Break. Falla ended up coming out on the short end of the scoring. The 7-6, 7-6 outing was give and take to the very end.

It was the champion’s 79th career title and it was fitting that it was here at the tournament whose attendees adore him – but then it would be difficult to find anyone who doesn’t. A few years ago, a street in the village near the site of the tournament was dedicated to him. Roger Federer Allee will be a destination of tennis fans for years to come. (I was told that many a tourist poses in front of the street designation much like the famed Hollywood sign.) Even when he is an old man and is unable to race around the court, he can bring his grandchildren to the village and point to the sign that will attest to his standing in the small community that is really quite a distance from his homeland. It is amazing how far the world of tennis can take a fellow from Basel, Switzerland.

The Weber’s knew what they were doing when they offered Federer a contract to play here as long as his professional career lasts. It could be many more years, if things continue as they are. At thirty-two, Federer still loves the game and still feels that he can give the game his all and keep entertaining the public. Actually, it may be from what has transpired here in Halle this year that he can merely bounce the ball and scare up an audience. His impromptu practice session when a match was scrubbed due to an opponent’s injury this past Wednesday, was a success beyond any publicity stunt that could have been contrived.

Today’s singles match was tough. Just to make it clear, his Colombian opponent, Falla is no spring chick either, at thirty. He has been playing some of the best tennis of his life of late and although being compared to one of the greatest tennis performers ever to have graced the courts, his career pales, but then whose wouldn’t?

At three in the afternoon when the two players took to the court each of them was on equal footing. It was 0-0 and none of the history mattered. Everyone who was inside the stadium had great expectations for an afternoon of top-notch tennis. They were rewarded with a display of tennis as it was intended to be contested. Neither player stood behind the baseline flailing balls to and fro as many matches have demonstrated over the past few years. There were angles and well thought out returns that brought the fans to their feet, cheering appreciatively. When the final ball was struck and Federer came out on top, the 12,500 capacity stadium rose in unison to applaud. (Fortunately, the stadium is of sturdy construct and it held fast to its foundation.)

Unfortunately, Federer’s good fortune didn’t tag along for his doubles match. He and fellow Swiss player, Marco Chiudinelli met their match in German, Andre Begemann and Austrian, Julian Knowle. The final score was disappointing to the Swiss team, but a valiant effort by all four players made the last match of the tournament enjoyable for all who stayed to watch what is often seen as the ugly stepchild of tennis – doubles. It was close, Begemann and Knowle took away the win, 1-6, 7-5, 12-10. It was just not enough to give Federer his second singles/doubles title in Halle.

After every win in Halle, save 2013, Federer has gone forward to win at Wimbledon. Who knows what his fortune cookie will hold in London this year, but his experience on the grass in Halle will go a long way to make his superlative game one for the ages. The hallowed lawns of Wimbledon are waiting.

Topics: Alejandro Falla, Cheryl Jones, Gerry Weber Open, Halle, Mirka, Roger Federer, Tennis, Tennis News

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June 15, 2014 at 5:51 pm

ROGER FEDERER’S FATHER’S DAY WIN WITH MIRKA AND THE GIRLS WATCHING AND CHEERING FOR PAPA – http://t.co/KTnFQKyQlo @rogerfederer #tennis