If there's ever been a greater sportsman, in every sense of the word, than Roger Federer I'd like to know who it was.
Federer's eighth Wimbledon single's title, won today against Marin Cilic, sets him apart from all other men who've played in the world's most famous tennis tournament. It also brought him his 19th Grand Slam title, extending his already record number, and came 16 years after his first success. Sadly, his opponent did not seem to be at his best but one can only beat what's in front of you and Federer succeeded where Cilic and his other main rivals, Murray, Nadal and Djokovic, did not. He did not lose a set throughout the tournament and his serve was broken only 4 times; he played as well as he did in his prime and who is to say that there aren't yet more titles to come ?
As always, Federer was a perfect gentleman on court and was magnanimous in victory. According to comments from one of the ball girls, he is the nicest, kindest and most polite of players, always saying please and thank you and never being sharp or difficult. He always appears to be calm and unworried, although it was clear that today's victory, when it came, was an emotional one; the Great Man shed a few tears of joy and relief behind his towel.
In the crowd, his wife and children cheered him on along with his parents, coaching team and an array of former Greats. One senses genuine love and huge affection for this sporting icon who seems able to combine a close family life with all of the demands of playing at the very highest level. When compared with the regular tantrums, griping and whining of many others, Federer stands out as the role model that should be followed.
Roger Federer, SIMPLY THE BEST !
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