Federer walking on air
Posted: Monday, June 08, 2009 3:06 PM
Roger Federer found his Holy Grail. Through the heavy drizzle and swirling winds of a strange late spring afternoon in Paris, Federer never blinked. Not even when an idiot intruded on the proceedings, approaching Federer on court, and summoning all too many memories of Hamburg 16 years ago.
Actually, there may have one moment when Federer showed nerves, when he bricked a 30-30 forehand volley put-away in the final game.
But that was a minor blip on a masterful day. Robin Soderling played the role of first-time Grand Slam event finalist as many have perfected. He was nervous, and never displayed the level that dominated Rafael Nadal seven days earlier.
And Federer was completely in charge, dominant on serve, and without slip on his newly erratic forehand. For most of this day, he was vintage Federer. And there was no view of the Federer who had been humbled on this court one year ago by Nadal in an inglorious French Open final.
That made the day so special. Who could have imagined Federer winning this after his humiliation in last year’s final? Or during the matches in this event- against Jose Acasuso, Tommy Haas, and Juan del Potro when he appeared incapable of coming from behind?
That made this major so special. It was a different Federer, surviving rather than dominating. He looked human, and forever I will believe the crowds embraced that glimpse of humanity.
In my many years broadcasting sports, I cannot recall another event when so many pulled for one man or team to the exclusion of an opponent. To be clear, there wasn’t an anti-Soderling sense in the house. Simply, this was all about people so wanting Federer to overcome this last hurdle.
How badly did Federer want this? His eyes welled during the final game, and the tears flowed freely as the Swiss anthem was played during the trophy presentation.
Can you blame him? He is a rare young man who had everything, wonderful family, devoted wife, imminent fatherhood, impeccable demeanor, and unmatched excellence in his sport, except at Roland Garros. What seemed unlikely to happen a year ago became reality Sunday afternoon.
He won with royalty watching: Bjorn Borg, Andre Agassi, John McEnroe, and Mats Wilander were all in the house. I believe somewhere in Mallorca, Rafael Nadal caught a glimpse of the day that had been his for four years, and felt good for Federer.
